Walking down the Oran Mor steps on the rainy Friday night, I look ahead to see a couple standing gazing into each other’s eyes. As I shuffle round them to actually get in the door I see another; I look inside and see the whole place is practically full of these couples, and I sigh to myself thinking it’s another one of those gigs.
A bitter singleton I am not but after overhearing a few of these couples talking about the new single and how this is really the only song they have heard, I decide that I’m going to prop up the bar for the remainder of the night and try and ignore the hordes of lovebirds all around me.
The two support acts, The Staves and Lissie, aren’t much to be desired and I find myself getting quite bored. However, I don’t have to wait long before Radin comes to the stage with a host of musicians, including the three members of The Staves as backing singers, and begins the show. At once I feel the mood change as his voice floats across the room. He plays of classic songs for the few older fans who were there, as well as of course ‘I’d Rather Be With You’, his most recent single.
Radin interacts with the audience but I wouldn’t say he engages them particularly well. He usually begins each song by describing a little bit of background behind it, which I feel is important but maybe a bit excessive for every song. That aside I think the venue and his voice make an excellent combination and it ends up being a rather emotional night with tears in a few people’s eyes.
Playing a few new songs near the end of his set and urging the audience to join in with the percussion brings the show together more so than at the beginning. My favourite song is ’Winter’, which he plays solo, stepping away from the microphone occasionally and giving the audience a taste of the full range of his voice. The only thing that is letting him down is that he comes across as quite egotistical – however it might have something to do with his female entourage rather than Radin himself.
Overall it was an excellent, relaxed Friday night and I was left with a sense of ease as I strolled along Great Western road in the rain, back home.