In this business you often get to choose where you go to. This means you can review the shows of those artists that you either know already, or are a fan of. Where’s the fun in that?
Tonight I’m taking the short walk to the Barrowlands to check out Richard Hawley… an act that I’ve never heard before. He’s sold the night out, though, so there must be some fans here tonight.
Support act John Smith (good luck googling him) comes on to an eerily quiet stage before playing an acoustic guitar the likes of which I’ve never heard. Soaked in delays and reverbs, this guitar is dreamy and sublime. Couple that with masterful finger picking with effortless harmonics and other tricks that only seasoned guitarists know how hard it is to pull off, it’s easy to forget we’re only listening to one instrument.
John’s voice is smooth and calming. I keep on trying to force myself to not compare him to Tracy Chapman, but hear me out. His music gives that same chilled, calming, vibe that Tracy’s does. The songs wash over you and rather than take your breath away, they soothe and massage the soul. A more listenable Newton Faulkner.
Between acts someone must have fallen asleep on the fog machine as the room resembles the worst night out at sea. As time matches on, people in front of me vanish into the mist.
Richard Hawley and his band come onto the stage and, although difficult to see, immediately sound great. As a first time listener, I immediately hear The Divine Comedy, Morrissey, and the smoothest parts of Arctic Monkeys. The difference is that you can tell Morrissey and the Monkeys are trying hard to achieve that sound of modern lounge, where it just seeps out of Hawley. To me, this is the sound that the others are aspiring to get. As the set goes on there’s elements of Nick Cave sneaking in, giving a darkness to the otherwise warm and jangly music. Impressive guitar solos are a frequent pleasant surprise through the set.
Richard Hawley is stood in front of a pile of different amplifiers which I can only guess are vintage and boutique. A different guitar comes out with every song, not only for Hawley but for his other guitarists too. This shows us the degree of thought that goes into the live set. There’s no digital samplers, nor a “close enough” attitude here. The whole recording studio has been brought out and laid across the stage. Maybe the smoke was intentional after all…
For a show that I knew nothing about before walking through the doors, this was a roaring success. For my own courage I’ve been rewarded with the discovery of genuine, soulful music with tons of heart and it’s something I’ll be breaking out any time I want to slow it down.
Photos by Catching Light Photography
Catching Light Photography
- Tom Meighan / The Capollos - 16 December 2024
- Me First And The Gimme Gimmes - 9 December 2024
- Anthrax Vs Kreator / Testament - 29 November 2024