Andy Burrows at Dingwalls

Andy Burrows, the former drummer of Razorlight, has been quietly carving out a pretty impressive career for himself as a solo artist since leaving the band five years ago. Last night at Dingwalls in Camden, he played songs from his new album Fall Together Again to an excitable crowd.

Burrows core material is the 1970s-style melodic pop of songs like Maybe You and Who Are You Now, calling to mind classic California acts like Fleetwood Mac and America.  

He’s a likeable stage presence, hopping between guitar and piano and constantly thanking the audience for their support, letting us know how much he’s enjoying himself. He’s an adept piano player, with his baroque styling resembling Rufus Wainwright at times.

Cellist Izzi Dunn joined the band for a few songs in the middle with the country pop If I Had a Heart proving a set highlight. The band switched instruments for this acoustic interlude, picking up a banjo and mandolin, calling to mind the wistful modern country of Ryan Adams. There was also an impromptu solo rendition of Elton John’s Daniel, which was enthusiastically received, with calls for “Rocket Man!” from the crowd.

There’s some tasteful synth sounds in there too, with the gentle bleep-bloops of I See a Girl and Watch Me Fall Again adding a bit of contemporary edge. Meanwhile, As Good As Gone could be a lost Boyz II Men B-side, with its smooth vocal harmonies and jazzy-soul chords.

There were some heavier songs too, with 2012’s Because I Know That I Can adding a bit of drive and bounce to the evening and closing the set. Burrows returned for an encore of Hearts and Minds, a gentle ballad from the new album, before bringing the band back to finish with catchy funk rocker Keep On Moving On.

It’s not exactly mind-blowing stuff – there’s nothing particularly revolutionary or original to it. It has its feet firmly rooted in classic song-craft with smooth production values, but it’s hard not to warm to the honest and uncynical approach.

Joshua Worth
Photos: Erol Birsen

For further information about Andy Burrows and future events visit here.

Watch the video for As Good As Gone here:

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