A strong set from Charlie Simpson at a packed out King Tuts in Glasgow leaves a lot of promise for the singer-songwriter’s upcoming second album release next July.
When we say ‘packed out’ too, we’re really not kidding. The event was sold out, and anyone who has been to King Tuts before will know that this results in a crammed in session at the compact venue where the word ‘humid’ proves the ultimate understatement when describing the heat.
The setlist would offer up a selection of songs from Simpson’s first solo record Young Pilgrim and unheard tracks from new album Long Road Home as well.
He kicked off the night with a rendition of Thorns, with the vocal audience seemingly surprising Simpson right away as they reverberated back the lyrics to the catchy tune. Well known for his idealist visions of what he wants his music to be, Simpson performed well, with his signature rugged vocals flying over fast-running, melodic guitar riffs throughout the set.
A selection of new songs, including the recently released Winter Hymns, continued the natural music process, although it was at times difficult to differentiate from each song as the template of progressive guitar work and lifts at the chorus continued through the set.
Regardless, each song performed was near enough spot on with the record recordings – no misplaced notes or chords – and when the difference could be heard, it was all for the positive as the passion on the sleeves of Simpson shone through.
The title track from Long Road Home received a debutant play to a reception that will please the artist, but for the crowd, it was really all about the old material.
Cemetery sounded to widespread cheers, with Simpson taking a break on the chorus as the audience took over the vocals in a choir-like performance. Ten more Days and Parachutes too proved popular tracks, while Down Down Down was a main highlight, the looping instrumental sounds working brilliantly with vocals that burst into life halfway through.
The concluding numbers would be Farmer & His Gun and Riverbank, and as Simpson thanked the crowd and shredded out some impressive final sounds on his acoustic guitar, it was clear that he really was grateful and was loving his music.
A good night in Glasgow. And, most impressive of all, we managed to get through this whole Charlie Simpson review without mentioning Busted.
Aw, wait. Shit.
Stuart Kenny
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