NEWTON FAULKNER | LIVE REVIEW

Great Hall, Cardiff University Students Union, Sun 10 Apr

After a well deserved break Newton Faulkner returned to the music scene with new album Human Love in 2015. Shortly afterwards, it was announced that he is set to take on the role of Johnny in the West End production of American Idiot, the Green Day musical. As a result Faulkner has managed to squeeze in as many dates on his UK tour as possible up until July.

The set was what you would expect from Faulkner: a friendly, relaxed atmosphere, almost Glastonbury-like. His appearance was more tame than we’ve come to expect, with his trademark ginger dreadlocks tied back from his face. He made his way through a back catalogue which dates back to 2007, even if the masses’ public obsession with single Dream Catch Me feels like it only began last year.

Faulkner’s impressive, and indeed percussive, guitar skills echo through the venue as an audience of vastly mixed ages dance and sway in unison – one even bringing along her own tambourine. In true Newton Faulkner style, everything was very mellow; at several points, random people appear on stage to help him out with his harmonies. Never introduced, you’re not quite sure where they came from or whether they were supposed to be there.

Songs from his new album were well received, especially Get Free and Up Up And Away. These were made up of all that is great about the man himself – just a little bit more serious and grown up, but never too much. Highlight of the night was, of course, Dream Catch Me but coming in a close second was a surprise cover of Justin Bieber’s Love Yourself. Not to take anything away from the mighty Bieber but Faulkner made it sound like this song was written just for him.

The night ended with some spontaneous crowd jumping under the orders of Mr. Faulkner: something he said he does now and then just to make him happy. It definitely did so for the audience.

words DENIECE CUSACK