Following on from what feels like a long hiatus after festival season a few years back Jamie is once again back on our radars with some new tunes, a new tour, and a bold new haircut.
With various supports covering different parts of the country tonight we’re graced with Frauds and well, aren’t they a grand duo – a combination of British jest and hooks. The Croydon pair blast out their outlandish ballads confidently. It turns many a smile and creates aware feeling in the room. Their off-the-wall charm works.
Jamie Lenman is somewhat of an unsung hero amongst the rock community. His style, wit, charm and experimental song writing follows him around. His personality shines through his song writing and has influenced many a young band and sees him once again back on the road but this time as a duo. Having seen the man perform with a full band with back to back sets it’s a move that could be seen as risky but as the night goes on not once throughout do you find yourself missing a full set up. Dressed all in white with a whimsical hairdo Jamie dominates the stage and plays to a favourable crowd.
From his double album Muscle Memory to old Reuben hits to his latest single sees an exceptionally mixed setlist and apparently not a worry for this crowd. Going from in-your-face metal to a hoedown is just savvy for this esteemed crowd who sing every word back at Lenman. Metal is just great merrily exclaims Jamie, and he’s right. The metal community is a loving one, and brings many close together who’ll support their favourite bands to the dying end, like many here tonight who came as Reuben fans and don’t leave disappointed.
“I know I keep going on… “, we get this many times throughout the night as Jamie declares how much of a lovely time he’s having and it’s easily visible in their performance.
Parts of the show see the showman chat with the crowd and somehow spot an old school friend (who gave him a pencil case once). The atmosphere is just loveable – the casual chats, the stories, the endless hits, it’s been a classy night. What a gentlemen.
9/10
Catch Jamie Lenman at 2000 Trees Festival this July –
http://www.twothousandtreesfestival.co.uk/
