The evening started with an erm delightful quick Pret a Manger dinner and unfortunately missing Jake Bugg open the show who sounds very promising and has been getting some good hype after his performance on Later with Jools Holland -3.
After an expensive lager purchase we made our way towards the front so as to hopefully avoid as much whinging from me as possible that I couldn't see. We managed to get a half decent spot and Mikey came one stage +2.
His voice carried well in the venue and the performance was earnest and charismatic +6. The main problemos were the material itself and the venue - with one album there was a limited range of songs to choose from and some of the slower, more low key tracks got lost in the crowd who rudely chatted over the top -3. Some of the tracks probably would've been more suited to a smaller, more intimate venue (or a more polite crowd - I'm talking about a couple of talle douchebags in particular who wouldn't stop chatting - I think one had stupid hair as well) -1.5.
Other gripes were too many snogging, PDA couples -6 get a room please, and it getting really really hot there as usual - my fringe was not in good shape -12.
The band seemed to be really gelled (not jel) and the more upbeat, 'funky' tracks were more successful such as "I'll Get Along" and obviously the big one "Home Again". Other highlights from the album were probably "Bones" and "Always Waiting". The acoustic songs were also lovely and showcased Kiwanuka's talent to the max.
Overall I thought Mike was a really good performer, his vocal was breathtaking at times +7 and I enjoyed his anecdote about Secret Garden Party and other chit chat - he seems like a genuine guy +6.6666666.
B
ps some nice photos here
