Jamie T, tour review: A stroppy, sure-footed performance

As a teenage gig initiation, this was likely a life-changing experience, says Andre Paine
Endearingly eccentric: Jamie T
Angela Lubrano/Livepix
Andre Paine10 October 2016

Jamie Treays is on a roll. After a half decade of silence partly explained by an anxiety condition, the artist known as Jamie T has returned with his second top five album in two years and a three-night residency in Brixton.

His latest comeback was a stroppy, sure-footed performance in front of an audience that made as much noise as the band. Treays turned 30 this year, though many fans at Brixton must have been in short trousers when the singer from Wimbledon emerged a decade ago. As a teenage gig initiation, this was likely a life-changing experience – their devotion was apparent from the rowdy singalong for the opening Power over Men.

Treays’s shouty vocal and growling guitars owed a debt to The Clash, but there was also evidence of a versatile songwriter. The rumbling rhythm of Solomon Eagle featured his punchy rapping, while Sign of the Times was a spiky ballad that prompted fans to hold illuminated phones aloft.

Despite having an album to promote, Treays galloped through a generous set list that acknowledged his debut. During classic London anthem Sheila, the crowd pelted half-finished beers and hollered along to his seamy narrative.

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Ten years on from that first single, Treays is still writing endearingly eccentric tunes like Crossfire Love, with its chorus of sound effects (“Crash! Bang! Wallop!”).

There was a hint of novelty to Zombie, which Treays held back for a riotous indie-rock finale. For a songwriter once troubled by self-doubt, it was good to see him enjoying himself.

Playing tonight, October 10 (0844 477 2000, o2academybrixton.co.uk)

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