Willie J Healey at Electric Brixton

Willie J Healey released his understated lo-fi debut, People and Their Dogs, in 2017. It was warmly received by critics, as has his current album, Bunny, but the artist seems to have slipped below the radar of the press in recent years. He’s now finishing the tour of his third work at Electric Brixton and hopefully a recent stint on Later… with Jools Holland will reignite media interest.

Tonight, we have a heaving venue here, and it’s hard to get a spot good enough to catch a glimpse of the Oxfordshire-born singer. The set begins with the short and sweet single Bumblebee, straight off the new album, with a nod to 70s funk and soul. This is followed by Little Sister, True Stereo and Big Nothing, which all have a new lease of life breathed into them when they’re played live. In particular, new songs such as Sure Feels Good are given a more pronounced guitar and Healey’s voice comes alive with emphatic soul – that is not to say they don’t sound great on the record, but they’re rather more, shall we say, chill. “I hope you’re feeling as good as I do,” the singer remarks.

Old favourites My Room and All Those Things are a dreamy but melancholic respite from the upbeat newer material. Healey’s voice is on point, deep and soulful throughout but gritty when it needs to – just like his music. The crowd sings along enthusiastically with I Want to Thank You, which features Jamie T, although there’s no sign of him tonight. After this an impressive instrumental ensues, and the performer begins to zoom around onstage, arm in front like a child mimicking a superhero. He appears to be having a fantastic time.

The main set ends with the gloriously emotive Subterraneans, which you could say is the song that cemented Healey’s fate in being a recognised artist. After a brief interlude, he returns solo with his guitar to sing the anthemic We Should Hang, and is then rejoined by his fantastic band for Songs for Joanna and Fashun. A talented and dynamic musician, Willie J Healey is still one to watch.

Hannah Broughton
Photos: Virginie Viche

For further information and future events visit Willie J Healey’s website here.

Watch the video for Thank You here: