Charlie Simpson. The Tabernacle, London. Tuesday 10th May.
It would appear that the hottest ticket in town last night was for a quirky little venue in London's Notting Hill. The curved Romanesque facade of this converted church was the perfect setting for the rich folky tones of Charlie Simpson as he goes it alone.
The sold out venue boasted a mix of audience members; some there as fans of Charlie's previous projects (Fightstar, Busted), but the majority waited in barely contained excitement for his first gig as Charlie Simpson "solo artist". Backed by a full band, EP track "Thorns" opened Charlie's set. With the crowd already singing along Simpson had them hooked and confidently guided them through the rest of the set.
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| "Down Down Down" - the single out now. |
Simpson apposed the more familiar songs, such as debut single "Down Down Down" against forthcoming album tracks, including the impressively eerie "Cemetery". The slow but poignant "Sundown" marks Charlie as a creative folk lyricist.
Album track "I Need a Friend Tonight" perfectly hinged the set; the packed, humid venue reciprocated Charlie's obvious joy at being back out performing. Charlie confessed how people have speculated if he even had enough material to fill a solo spot. He admited that next song "Please Let Me Go" was only composed the night before and gave the exclusive first play to the audience at The Tabernacle.
Head to
http://www.charliesimpsonmusic.com/ to download your free EP including the single "Down Down Down" alongside "Thorns" and "Sundown".
Album track "I Need a Friend Tonight" perfectly hinged the set; the packed, humid venue reciprocated Charlie's obvious joy at being back out performing. Charlie confessed how people have speculated if he even had enough material to fill a solo spot. He admited that next song "Please Let Me Go" was only composed the night before and gave the exclusive first play to the audience at The Tabernacle.
"All At Once", the penultimate song brought the headline set to a more upbeat, drum-based close. It was left to the quaint but catchy, vintage inspired "The Farmer and His Gun" to successfully end the set.
This was never going to be a raucous gig that the crowd could lose their energy dancing along to. However, the chilled melodies and vintage lyrics fitted seemlessy within the archaic venue.
Last night, Charlie Simpson proved that his debut album, soon to be released, is something to be hotly anticipated and will be the perfect summer soundtrack.
This was never going to be a raucous gig that the crowd could lose their energy dancing along to. However, the chilled melodies and vintage lyrics fitted seemlessy within the archaic venue.
Last night, Charlie Simpson proved that his debut album, soon to be released, is something to be hotly anticipated and will be the perfect summer soundtrack.
Head to
