Project Description

GEORGE EZRA

@ The Tivoli

(Live Review)

Reviewed By: Alexandra Ainsworth

.

.

Tonight’s Tivoli is near capacity in anticipation of one of Britain’s latest exports, George Ezra. The 24-year-old is touring the country ahead of the release of his second record, Staying At Tamara’s, and is using the opportunity to test run some of his newer material.

Despite his casualness, Ezra presents a tightly run set. Opening with crowd favourite Cassy O’, Ezra’s unmistakable vocals ring through the venue to the delight of fans from wall to wall. Backed by a five-piece band, Ezra is obviously at ease on stage with his ear to ear grin near constantly on show. It’s clear to see that his infectiously happy music is not just a front: Ezra beams on stage like sunshine, with or without lighting.

Tonight’s setlist is very much a mixture of new and old, all of which are well received by the audience. The newer material shows more growth an experimentation from the songwriter, with bolder instrumentals and more technically interesting riffs carrying his baritone vocals along.

.

.

It should be noted that one of the perks of catching Ezra live is having the chance to experience his personality come through in his story-telling between songs. Detailing his travels through Europe, Ezra takes the time to share backstories and jokes with the audience before launching into the next track. The breaks provide not only a deeper insight into the lyrics, but an opportunity to connect with the artist on stage.

The night is still punctuated by older favourites: Barcelona, Blame It On Me, and the ever-famous Budapest receiving the largest cheers from the crowd. By the end of the set, it’s hard to not find yourself enamoured with the Englishman and his love songs. His brooding vocals are a refreshing sound in the world of pop, and his infectiously upbeat tracks are all too easy to consume. It could be said that his happy-go-lucky music lacks a certain depth that comes with age and experience, but despite his lack of tragic backstory, Ezra seems to be doing just fine.

.

.

Connect with GEORGE EZRA

Website          Facebook          Twitter          Instagram

.