Louis Berry at Omeara

Louis Berry at Omeara | Live review

28^th March 2017

28 March 2017

Amidst the replicated dilapidation of the Omeara’s modern antiquity, there existed briefly the unique vibrant energy that is Louis Berry. Taking a stand for the contemporary retransformation of 1950s rock, the Liverpudlian was as comfortable on stage as the peeling red paint and the dim chandelier.

The exuberant and warm crowd erupted as the indie rocker and his four-piece band took to the stage and began their first song .45, from his EP of the same name. The energetic track pulsed with self-perpetuating electricity, setting a standard of excellence that paved the way for following tunes like 25 Reasons, from the B Side of the same EP, and the unreleased Scotch Whiskey, a folk song about a journey through Scotland. This introduction proved Berry is an emerging force in music.

Replacing his electric guitar with an acoustic, and his water with whiskey, the musician poised himself to kick it up a notch, and the room reacted with overwhelming support. The change in no way slowed the alacrity of rhythms from the percussion, nor the steamy electric licks from the lead guitar, and actually added to the rich musical dynamic. Berry took flight with the crowd-favourite single Laurie, and new songs The Wind Changes and Spring in Autumn, the latter an unrivalled breakthrough in his unique storytelling.

It is easy to see that Berry thrives on stage. He creates truthful music with an authentic passion. But where does this passion come from? What drives this hybrid of traditional rock with indie hooks? In his own words: “Back when I said I wanted to do modern 50s rock people laughed. Now I’m on the radio.” Whether through genius or stubbornness, this artist has created a particular style; through the borrowing of concepts he has created his own, a unique brand of music, a collection of genres that ultimately transcends them all and leaves us with something intangible, a feeling. And it is this feeling that was in existence for everyone in the audience that feverishly cried out for an encore, a plea for more, for anything, for satisfaction, to rid the emptiness only fullness creates.

★★★★★

Bill Kacir
Photos: Nick Bennett

For further information about Loius Berry and future events visit here.