Shakey Graves at Koko

Shakey Graves had Koko shaking on Tuesday night with a set list exhibiting a true singer-songwriter with an almost effortless ability to captivate a crowd. Newcomers to the artist felt warmly welcomed by his often humorous and at times thought-provoking interactions with the audience, but it was the raw talent of his voice combined with his stirring songwriting that left no one’s attention divided. Though billed as the “Sleepwalker tour”, there was nothing remotely lethargic about the evening despite the fact that the majority of the set list comprised of low to mid-tempo tunes. The busker-esque vibe Shakey Graves continues to embrace made for an intimate evening of soul-drenched songs, brooding blues but an ultimately upbeat experience. Opener Word of Mouth revved up the concertgoers with its slow-burn beginning, culminating in a crescendo of drums and guitars. The musician impressed with his flawless vocals on Mansion Door. Built to Roam and Roll the Bones were also crowd-pleasing highlights.

This musician is an eclectic performer. He doesn’t fit into any particular box and fluidly transitions from being somewhat Prince-esque on guitar to displaying vocals reminiscent of Jim Morrison, all the while embodying the stage presence of Michael Hutchence. Yet, in spite of this, he manages to maintain his own unique and individual sound, staying true to his roots and inviting the crowd into his dreamlike world

Shakey Graves is one of those rarities – an accessible artist with an undeniable gift for songwriting and performing. How refreshing to experience real and raw talent absent of pretension, oozing with authenticity and evoking a sense of intense intimacy with the music, provoking thought and contemplation one minute before ushering the listener into an almost hypnotic trance the next. Can’t Wake Up is the title of his latest album and if this gig is anything to go by we’d be foolish to sleep on the incredible talent that is Shakey Graves.

Jonathan Marshall
Photos: Nick Bennett

For further information and future events visit Shakey Graves’s website here.

Watch the video for Kid’s These Days here: