John Newman
Leeds Beckett - Oct 19
A capacity crowd at the Beckett in Leeds welcomed back one of their own in the shape of John Newman on his current UK tour, and he didn’t disappoint.
Opener ‘Not Giving In’ set the tone for the evening and unlike earlier in the year on his previous visit to Leeds, this time he had a full band set up who were as tight as any band could be.
Having a break from music due to some well documented health problems and the incessant album/tour treadmill has clearly done him a lot of good and his distinctive vocal with it’s bluesy, smoky feel was sounding as good as ever.
‘Give Me Your Love’ which was a collaboration with Nile Rogers and Sigala had the venue bouncing along and Newman worked the stage like a man possessed, and it was clear that he was loving every minute of it.
Of course, this was a home fixture for him, being a Yorkshire boy, and having attended Leeds College of Music this was a part of the world he knows well and let’s face it, it’s always nice to come home once in a while!
‘Losing Sleep’ with its Motown feel, and the ballad ‘The Hardest Word Is Goodbye’ showcased his vocal abilities and slowed proceedings down a little, but the evening was really all about the bangers!
‘Come And Get It’, ‘Blame’ and ‘Feel The Love’ raised the roof, and his new single ‘Without You’ from his A.N.I.M.A.L. ep showed that he still knows a good tune when he hears one, and the crowd singalong was just one the many highlights of the gig.
Of course, this set wouldn’t be complete without “Love Me Again’ which believe it or not is now 6 years old, but still sounds as good as ever, and brought the evening to an high energy close.
There are still a few dates left on the current tour, and I would urge you to get along to catch his set if you have the opportunity. John Newman has become the consummate performer, and we in Yorkshire are proud to call him one of our own!
Set List:
· Not Giving In
· Give Me Your Love
· Feelings
· Cheating
· Losing Sleep
· The Hardest Word Is Goodbye
· Forever’s Not Long Enough
· Mama
· Animal
· Tiring Game
· Come And get It
· Blame
· Feel The Love
· Without You
· Stand By Me
Love Me Again
Jordan Rakei
Leeds Stylus - Oct 19
Jordan Rakei took to the stage at Leeds Stylus, one of the last few dates before he heads off to America for the US leg of his tour off the back of his most recent album Origin, released in June of this year.
First up on the stage was Arlo Parks who delivered a fantastic thirty minute set full of hip-hop beats and funky guitar riffs. At just 19 years old Arlo Parks delivered a very accomplished set and it is clear from this performance Parks is set for great things. This was Arlo Parks first time in Leeds and I for one cant until she comes back.
Next up was the headliner himself Jordan Rakei. He took to the stage at around 9pm and wasted no time, kicking things off with the opening track from his most recent album ‘Mad World’ which immediately got the crowd in the groove.
Rakei continued to play a range of tracks from across all three of his studio albums going seamlessly from one song to the next keeping the crowd dancing all the while.
It is hard to pin down Rakei’s style as it is clear Rakei pulls influences from a wide range of genera’s from jazz to hip-hop to funk and these genera’s could be felt throughout the set.
There were however a few constants through out the gig. Those being the throbbing bass and Rakei’s distinctive vocals which at times created almost an ethereal feel to his show.
‘Wild Fire’ a track again taken from Rakei’s most recent album really got the venue going with the crowd singing and dancing along this was one of the many highlights of this gig. ‘Add The Bassline’ was another major highlight of the show with Rakei asking the crowd which song this was having only played the first note. Needless to say the crowd knew exactly which song this was and it went down a storm.
Rakei finished with ‘Talk To Me’ however after the obligatory few moments off the stage Jordan Rakei returned and to perform an encore consisting of ‘Minds Eye’ which closed the show in spectacular style.
There are only three dates left to catch Jordan Rakei on the UK leg of his tour before he heads off to America to continue the tour. However if you are able I would urge you to go and see Jordan Rakei at one of these remaining dates.
Set List:
Mad World
You and Me
Tawo
Alright
Sorceress
Eye to Eye
May
Mantra
Wildfire
Say Something
Street Light
Blame It On The Youth
Rolling Into One
Add The Bassline
Talk To Me
Minds Eye
larkins
Leeds Wardrobe - Oct19
A quick search on Google for Manchester based Larkins, and you will see a common phrase used, ‘This band are the next big thing’, and based on the performance I witnessed at the Wardrobe it’s easy to see why.
From the very start, they delivered a supremely confident and tight set to an adoring crowd, and front man Josh Noble who is clearly a consummate and natural performer who led proceedings with all the style, energy and charisma that was quite a sight to see.
Their tight indie/dance/funk style smart lyrics, and irritatingly catchy choruses ensured a lively night was had by all, including the creation of a sort of dance mosh pit which put in an appearance throughout their set.
This is a band who have successfully fused various musical styles together to great effect and even the inclusion of 80’s style keyboard actually works.
New single ‘Not enough Love’ is a great example of this, and you can’t help but think of comparisons with the 1975 when you hear this. (No bad thing I might add!)
Front man Josh Noble is complimented by an extremely talented band in the shape of Dom Want on guitar, Henry Beach on bass and Matt Williams completes the line up on drums, who delivered a tight and high-quality set.
‘Something Beautiful’ for me sums up what this band is all about, with incisive lyrics, a killer chorus, infectious rhythm and you know what, it’s just a great tune!!
Yet to release a recorded album, they have however released a live album of their gig at The Albert Hall in Manchester which perfectly captures what this band is all about.
As I mentioned at the start of this review, they are being touted as the next big thing, and I think it’s only a matter of time before they will be doing arena tours.
You really should try and catch them on their current tour, which is continuing throughout the UK until early December, you won’t regret it!
