JAKE BUGG | LIVE REVIEW
Great Hall, Cardiff University Students Union, Sat 14 Mar
Doors had barely opened and the atmosphere was already buzzing in the Great Hall, as often with Saturday night gigs. Supporting act, Scottish singer-songwriter ONR, played to an energetic crowd, albeit one wandering between the main venue and lobby bar.
After a long wait before Jake Bugg, an unassuming figure walks on stage head down and without taking a breath opens the set with indie-electro hit Rabbit Hole, finishing the song with a brief greeting to the Cardiff crowd before latest release Kiss Like The Sun. Currently working on his upcoming album with producer Andrew Watt (Cardi B, Post Malone), Jake’s new stuff is rumoured to be different – experimental, even, and less rockabilly than we’ve become used to.
To describe his voice as Bob Dylan-esque is probably blatantly obvious, and a bit tired by now, but hearing it live, it’s hard to deny. Live, however, his vocals are stronger and smoother than his records and radio play convey. While the Nottingham musician’s lyrical depth is blunt, thoughtful and at times spiritual, this is largely lost in a gig like this; it’s probably something best appreciated at home, with headphones on.
As Jake flows from one song to the next, the crowd relax, mostly ungluing themselves from the front of the stage and filtering to the bars and the smoking areas. His loyal supporters, though, stay firmly in place. People are on shoulders, moshpits are formed and cups are being thrown. As a more casual observer – from the “familiar with Jake Bugg on the radio” contingent – his sound and his vibe are confusing: meandering from jangly folk to indie rock and what sounds like a pinch of ska. A sneak peek at his new material seemed to lose the crowd a bit; he thanks the crowd for “bearing with [him]”, reassuring us he’s moving on to what they came here for.
So of course Lightning Bolt lives up to its title, an electric current passing through the crowd. Fan favourite Two Fingers sees punters holding up the aforementioned in solidarity as they chanted along to the anthem. Impressive guitar solos prove he’s more than a three-chord strummer. His stage presence and audience interaction are, undeniably, lacking – yet if Jake Bugg were to read this review, I don’t think he would be too insulted. I think his lack of showmanship is intentional. Boasting a distinguished vocal to convey these songs is, in a way, incidental, even if it’s most likely why he’s enjoyed the success he has – but you get the feeling Jake Bugg would be just as happy behind the scenes.
words DENIECE CUSACK photos EMMA LEWIS
