THE DANIEL WAKEFORD EXPERIENCE | LIVE REVIEW
The Globe, Cardiff, Thurs 15 Nov
Best known for his appearance on the TV show The Undateables, Daniel Wakeford has much more to offer then a one-off reality show contestant. Wakeford combines scenes of naïve imagination with a pop aesthetic to create these beautifully genius songs. Touring off his brand new album That’s How I See It, Wakeford and his Experience band have been spreading good vibes up and down the coasts of the UK.
Kicking off the night off perfectly with Wonderful City, a ballad to his home town of Brighton, Wakeford’s energetic performance, combined with the enthusiastically catchy guitar riffs, washes a wave of happiness across the crowd. Like a latterday Daniel Johnston, Wakeford’s simplistic lyrics have a magic to them that draws you into his mind, while still allowing you to sing and dance along. The backing band is tight and the driving support behind Wakeford: songs like Pub Nights To The British Holiday, Playboy Girls, New York City and I Love Girlfriend were real highlights, all brilliantly construed indiepop.
The crowd – filled, it appeared, with both music fans and Undateables watchers – couldn’t have asked for a more perfect gig. You can’t help but leave this experience with a massive smile on your face. I’m very much looking forward to seeing which musical direction Daniel Wakeford is going next.
words and photos JAYDON MARTIN
