Dean Lewis at Bush Hall

Bush Hall is a small but spectacular venue, decked out in twinkling chandeliers and ornate carvings. It is the perfect backdrop for tonight’s show – Dean Lewis. He’s joined onstage by a guitarist and a drummer, and they cruise straight into the upbeat 7 mins. The crowd are in immediately, and Lewis interacts with them sincerely, sending out finger hearts and accepting a bouquet of fresh flowers. The room buzzes as Looks Like Me begins to play next. Only two songs in, the energy of the night is already apparent, and Lewis wastes no time in telling his audience just how excited he is to be there.

While he shows his skills on the piano during songs like Hurtless, it’s his guitar that really shines. He looks comfortable playing it, confident as he plucks endless melodies and swelling chords. The songs he plays have a nostalgia to them, both in lyrical content and musicality, and it fills the room.

In the middle of the gig, Lewis plays a run of new music. It’s always special to hear unreleased tracks at a live show; it keeps one feeling connected with the artist, part of the musical journey. He tells the room that the next number, All Your Lies, is about the music industry. It has a solid beat that really gets the crowd moving, and he changes the lyrics whenever he sings it. Empire, a new track about friendship, boasts a sweeping chorus and almost immediately becomes a favourite. The last new one of the night is All I Ever Wanted, and it reminds us how stellar his vocals are, belting out smooth runs without a fault.

Lewis gives Bush Hall a bit of everything tonight. He plays a heartbreaking version of To Have You Today alone onstage, the room respectfully, emotionally quiet as he sings. He also plays a head-banging cover of Taylor Swift’s Cruel Summer, surprising everyone.

Throughout the whole evening, Lewis interacts with the crowd like they’re long-time friends; it’s clear how much he’s enjoying this, how blessed he feels, and this only makes it more memorable. The most heartwarming moment is towards the end, when he invites his dad onstage to play guitar on a song he wrote about the man.

Waves closes out the set, and the noise is staggering. He lets the crowd carry it under the decadent roof as he sings out without a mic, his passion pulsing, allowing several repeats of the hit chorus, ensuring the fans have no voice as they disperse out into the cold again.

Talitha Stowell
Photos: Virginie Viche

For further information and future events visit Dean Lewis’s website here.

Watch the video for the single Memories here: