George Ezra previews new album at Shoreditch Town Hall

Folk rock singer George Ezra plays an intimate show tonight at East London’s Shoreditch Town Hall. Having recently performed at the Union Chapel for the Mental Health charity, Mind, the Bristol based musician is back promoting his forthcoming album, Staying at Tamara’s.

Ezra’s brooding voice, a combination of deep soulful tones infused with a mature melancholy and inspired by legendary acts like Bob Dylan and Willie Nelson, is refreshing in today’s pop music scene. Complete with his live band, the young musician is in his element on stage. Paradise, taken from the new album, comprises the signature sounds of Ezra’s music, but lacks what would make it memorable, instead sounding like a continuation from his oeuvre.

The introduction to Cassy-O, from 2014 debut LP Wanted on Voyage, is stimulating with its heady drum beat, carrying the Americana blues melody along, while Barcelona is delicately sung, proving that Ezra can belt out pop hits as well as charming ballads. His discourse on Airbnb garners laughs, before the next new track, Pretty Shining People. It’s clear to see why Ezra has such dedicated fans; his amiable personality and engagement with the audience is charismatic and authentic.

The latter part of the set holds more substance, with Song 6, a track that “never quite got a name” imbued with a gentle quality, a highlight of the evening. Ezra’s voice accentuates the guitars, transcendental and emotional, surprisingly evoking Eddie Vedder’s solo material. Playing the hit single Blame It on Me, the unexpected addition of whistles gives it a Brazilian party feel, the hall shaking with energy, when Budapest, which raised him to international acclaim, completes the evening, Ezra clearly saving his hits for the last.

Though there is little doubt of Ezra’s musicianship and talent, he remains within the comforts of pop hooks and love ballads, he might want to try and delve into uncharted territory and different themes, adding more depth and layering to his music.

Selina Begum
Photos: Guifré de Peray 

For further information and future events visit George Ezra’s website here.

Watch the video for Paradise here: