James Bay at O2 Academy Bristol review
Posted on: 2015-04-21
Our rating:
James?s set was about an hour and half, it was full of tracks from his album; not surprising as it was a debut release and it charted at no.1 in the UK. 2015 really will be James?s year if this gig and his album are anything to go by.
On Monday night, 20th April 2015, at the O2 Academy in Bristol – Critics Choice 2015 Winner James Bay arrived for the final night of his debut album “Chaos and the Calm” tour.
The doors opened at 7pm with the warm up coming on at just before 8, Seafret were a good start to the evening, whilst not setting the audience alight – it was a good start to the evening. After about 45 minutes they finished and left the stage….so far so good. However for the next hour and a half the stage was reset and it appeared that something went wrong – there was a point when there was 5 stage hands all searching for something with a torch! The crowd began to get restless, when approx. 9:30pm the lights dropped, the crowd roared in hope and anticipation that finally here was James.
In a flash of lights and sound – James Bay was on stage! The crowd woke from their boredom and immediately ignited with sound and energy.
James’s set was about an hour and half, it was full of tracks from his album; not surprising as it was a debut release and it charted at no.1 in the UK! There was a great variety of slow tracks, some of which were beautifully pared back to back and a handful of up tempo toe tappers!
My personal favourite “scars” was a great rendition and one that made the night worthwhile for me!
James Bay came across as friendly and sincere, that was about the level of interaction with the audience, he didn’t however need to do more as the music did that for him.
Having won a MTV critics choice award for 2015, I can see why many people are expecting big things from him this year! The album was produced by Jacquire King who has produced the Kings Of Leon to name just one. This influence was certainly audible…but when he has nearly 30 Grammy nominations to his name, that’s not a bad thing.
I would love to see him again, just this time without the wait in the middle.
2015 really will be James’s year if this gig and his album are anything to go by.
3.5/5 mainly due to the waiting!
Reviewed by David Florence @T3DCF
Article by:
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.
