The Teskey Brothers deliver an inspiring, crowd-pleasing set at Shepherd’s Bush Empire

24^th January 2020

Grace Walsh

Shot by Arianna Cavalensi

Grace Walsh Shot by Arianna Cavalensi

24 January 2020

Following a hit US tour late last year, The Teskey Brothers were back in London last night. The quartet took to the stage to rapturous applause and smiles all round, their ever-devoted audience having turned up in droves and sold out the intimate Shepherd’s Bush Empire.

Their music is comfortingly recognisable from the off, with lead singer Josh Teskey’s soulful croons lulling the band and audience alike into the opening of the performance. Even on the highest rows, there are people singing along to every word of every song. Teskey and his bandmates are a paradigm of indie musicians – complete with long hair and battered boots – offering an aesthetic beyond the music.

Blending funk and soul together, the group move into Pain and Misery – a low tempo love ballad – accompanied by an acoustic guitar. Under the purple lights, it’s a calming break in an otherwise lively rendition of recognisable tracks. Louisa is a dedication to lost love from the group’s earlier 2017 album, a high-energy anthem that isn’t the first or the last to bring the audience to their feet.

Hold Me, from the most recent album of the same name, is the crowd-pleaser of the night, without a doubt. Casting instruments aside and going acapella, the band sing directly to the crowd below them and with encouragement, the audience sing back, culminating in a standing gospel-choir style sing-along. It’s a euphoric moment in the performance, showcasing the ensemble’s ability to bring their audience together and deliver an inspiring round-off to the show.

The Teskey Brothers deliver a carefully structured performance with few surprises and little room for imagination. Their lyrics are inspiring – even if they do include some unmissable clichés – dealing with themes of love, loneliness and adversity. However, despite this, there is no doubt this was an expertly delivered set of the band’s greatest songs.

Grace Walsh
Photos: Arianna Cavalensi

For further information and future events visit The Teskey Brothers’s website here.

Watch the video for the Hold Me here: