Jack Garratt, Norwich LCR,
12.04.16.
After initially uploading tracks to the BBC Introducing Uploader in
2009, Jack Garratt has recently burst into the music scene, topping
the BBC Sound of 2016 list, as well as winning the title of BBC Introducing
Artist of the Year and the BRITs Critics' Choice Award in 2015. Releasing
his successful debut album Phase in February this year, reaching number
3 in the UK album chart, his music is described as soul infused electro-pop.
Having been blow away by Jack Garratt's surprise set on the BBC Introducing
Stage at Reading Festival last year, I was excited to see him at a
more intimate gig.
Theres a excited buzz as the crowd await Jack Garratt to step
on to the stage at his first ever sold out gig in Norwich. His set
suddenly floods with light and Jack emerges onto the stage, met with
a deafening cheer from the eager crowd. Clearly overwhelmed and humbled
by the amount of people stood in front him, he nervously cracks a
few jokes before breaking into the deafening Coalesce (Synesthesia,
Pt. II) and everyone immediately begins dancing.
Jack Garratts passion and connection with his
music, combined with his dynamic, body popping which is coherent with
each beat, is mesmerising to watch, especially during Chemical and
Breathe Life. Each song is met with resounding cheers and it is evident
the crowd are in utter awe of his undeniable stamina and talent as
a multi-instrumentalist. Playing the guitar, drums, keyboard and singing;
its impressive he maintains his energy throughout. (Probably
helped by all the cracking jokes between songs, but the crowd loves
it). His energy and humour gains him respect with the crowd and they
chant the classic We love you Jack, we do.. and he responds;
is this a university by any chance?
The crowds energy reach the pinnacle of euphoria during Surprise
Yourself, with striking ambient lighting and a sea of impulsive dancing.
It is one of those moments you feel immensely overwhelmed by the artist
performing in front of you, that you need to take a second to look
around and appreciate the whole crowd immersed in the sound, loving
every minute of it. Not many musicians slip in a cover into their
set, but his Craig David and Justin Timberlake medley is warmly received
and perfectly executed, echoing his BBC Radio 1 Live Lounge back in
January.
As the gig draws to a close, Jack treats the audience to the beautiful
acoustic water, the last song on his debut album, expressing he only
plays it live if it feel right and the audience want me to.
Theres a resounding hush as the crowd fall silent, captured
by Jacks softer, humbled, voice. He is tentative about playing
this slower song, revealing this album took me three and a half
years to make and I am so proud of it.
As for the encore Jack explains: I don't walk off stage and
then on again, because I want to be on stage with you guys for as
long as possible; emphasising his respect for the audience.
The powerful My House Is Your Home showcases Jacks impassioned
vocals, closely followed by the favourite Worry, sending the crowd
into one last wave of frenzied dancing.
Review and photos by Jess B