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.


There’s 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 Garratt’s 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; it’s 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.” There’s a resounding hush as the crowd fall silent, captured by Jack’s 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 Jack’s impassioned vocals, closely followed by the favourite Worry, sending the crowd into one last wave of frenzied dancing.

Review and photos by Jess B