David Gray at The Colston Hall in Bristol

Posted on: 2014-07-15

Our rating:

Although in most parts, myself and the crowd seemed to connect to his new material, there was a palpable sense of relief from all when he moved on to the tracks that have given him pride of place in many people's music collections.


 

David Gray was the guest to a packed Colston Hall in Bristol on Tuesday 8th July 2014, the perfect setting for such a fantastic performance. He arrived on stage slightly later than billed but this didn't appear to upset the eagerly awaiting crowd.

He played a large number of tracks from his brand new album 'Mutineers' which may surprise many people is his 10th studio album some 21 years on from his initial debut release.

David Gray at The Colston Hall in Bristol on 8 July 2014

There was an initial hesitance from the crowd to get involved as there were many who wanted to hear some of the great classics Gray has written, however all the songs were greeted positively and it was clear to see that there was an attempt by the artist to cautiously drift away from the style he is known and loved for. However new song 'Gulls' proved to us that while trying to be slightly different, it still had those recognisable David Gray sounds that the crowd really wanted.

It is clear to see that he has chosen to play with his voice in a number of his new tracks. Adding falsettos and soft vocals, but still maintaining his very distinguishable and recognisable voice that has made him a firm favourite amongst a wide range of audiences from a wide range of age groups which was made evident in the mixed makeup of the crowd.

Although in most parts, myself and the crowd seemed to connect to his new material, you couldn't help but notice there was a palpable sense of relief from the crowd when he moved on to the tracks that have given him pride of place in many people's music collections.

Hits such as 'This Year's Love', The One I Love' and 'Sail Away' flowed effortlessly from one to the next. The highlight of the night undoubtedly being his performance of 'Please Forgive Me' which had the whole crowd mesmerised. It succeeded in raising the tempo and atmosphere getting a number of the audience out of their seats and dancing.

It was no surprise that the encore was his iconic hit Babylon. He re-entered the stage without the band, relying purely on his voice and acoustic guitar.

Many may have been expecting an intimate gig where he told stories and chatted about the origin of the new materials. But it became apparent that this was more an appreciation of a talented band and a seasoned professional artist, who uses his wealth or experience and success to write and perform songs that transfix a crowd in their own right.

4 out of 5 - the performance would of benefitted from a standing crowd at the front. But this did not take away any of the tempo and flow and if anything built anticipation for his classics.
 

Reviewed by Arran Pearson for 365Bristol

 



Article by:

James Anderson

Born and raised in the suburbs of Swansea, Jimmy moved to Bristol back in 2004 to attend university. Passionate about live music, sport, science and nature, he can usually be found walking his cocker spaniel Baxter at any number of green spots around the city. Call James on 078 9999 3534 or email Editor@365Bristol.com.