Richard Hawley's latest album In this city they call you love was released a week ago and has received critical praise from almost everyone in the music press. So this concert at the Eventim Apollo in London (although it will always be the Hammersmith Odeon for me) was highly anticipated and very exciting.
Hawley is kind of weird. In the 25 years that he has been recording solo material; He's never made a bad album and remains adamant about sticking to what he does best: making transatlantic rock and roll and 1950s ballads, backed by lyrics of his love for his hometown of Sheffield.
The stage is simply decorated with a civic sign reading 'Welcome to Sheffield' and several spotlights, while the venue itself is full of excitement. Hawley and his bandmates take the stage to loud applause and much cheering. There are a variety of guitars for Hawley to the right of the stage and it soon becomes clear that the guitars used by Hawley and his bandmates on either side of him change almost every song.
It must be a challenge for a well-established artist like Hawley to please everyone with an ideal track list, but tonight he does a decent job with his choices. There are classic delights from albums like Coles Corner to the most intoxicating offers of 2012 Standing on the edge of the sky and the new songs from their latest release are very well received.
The psychedelic “She Brings The Sunlight” opens the show with high energy, closely followed by “Two For His Heels” and “Prism In Jeans” from the new album. The latter is classic Hawley: a retro '50s delight with guitar grooves and, of course, that rich, velvety voice. The next song provokes a huge roar from the audience in its first note: the magnificent “Open Up Your Door”. I feel very lucky to have heard this live; It was cinematically beautiful.
Hawley dazzles in his signature pompadour and sunglasses with a rhinestone-covered western shirt with pink panels. Her look is both classic and contemporary. Fresh and crisp. Lighting enhances the atmosphere of each song: a silver backdrop with glittering ball sparkles accompanies the dreamy “Coles Corner,” adding an extra touch of romance. Lush purple and green spotlights lend moody theatricality to “Leave Your Body Behind You,” which is absolutely incredible to hear live. I felt the powerful, pulsating rhythms of the guitar reverberate within my chest. Bright spotlights illuminate the chorus of “Don't Stare at The Sun,” which shines in the bridge as the guitars shimmer and grow in intensity before fading at the end.
Hawley has five bandmates with him on stage, including his old guitar friend Shez Sheridan, but together they create this sumptuous orchestral sound, most notable on the melancholic ballad “Heavy Rain” and the magnificent “Tonight The Streets Are.” Ours,” which provides a highlight. I'm not ashamed to say I jumped out of my seat in the opening bars of this one; It's very joyful and, again, amazing to hear live.
The cheeky “Alone” soars with orchestral string sounds. Between songs, Hawley's interactions with the audience are warm and genuine. She admitted that she was left speechless during the reception she received in London and asked us to make sure we vote wisely in the upcoming general elections and “Bring the conservative shit out” which got great applause. “Just Like The Rain,” which Hawley shares with the audience, she wrote when she was 16 years old and “proves that I was a miserable bastard back then too” It's country with bounce and is optimistic despite the lovelorn lyrics.
Hawley asks the audience for silence before “People,” his gentle and affectionate tribute to his beloved Sheffield. You can hear a pin drop as Hawley sings the sparsest, most sentimental song of the night. “The Ocean” closes the evening. This song is epic. It's hypnotic and cathartic and packs a real emotional punch as the orchestral sounds build throughout the song. You feel like you're letting yourself go. Hawley sings over and over “Here come the waves.” The version performed tonight is longer than normal as the guitars build tension to the breaking point. A perfect storm. Hawley is greeted at the end with a standing ovation and seems genuinely moved.
Richard Hawley's concert at the Eventim Apollo was a fascinating experience. He is one of the most extraordinary artists of his generation. He evokes emotions in the audience with every song he sings. This performance revealed why he remains so popular. Seeing Richard Hawley live is nostalgic, emotional and inherently romantic. It is therapy for the heart, soul and mind and the experience stays with you for a long time.
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