Benjamin Clementine LIVE @ The Emmanuel Centre, 29.10.14

Rating:

Although last night at The Emmanuel Centre didn’t get off to a promising start – a sign reading ‘No alcohol on the premises’ was pinned to the door – enchanting singer-songwriter Benjamin Clementine made us forget all about the lack of glass in hand by simply sweeping us all off our feet with just his voice. Having recently signed to Virgin/EMI, North Londoner Ben Clementine released his second EP earlier this year, and – since appearing on Later… With Jools Holland last year and headlining London’s KOKO – his success has been escalating more and more.

With no introduction necessary, the grandesque figure of Clementine – donning a large overcoat and barefeet – immediately captivates the entire capacity of this unique, historic venue with the haunting piano melodies and breathtaking vocals of ‘Edmonton’: a song about his hometown/borough. Despite influences ranging from Satie to Anthony And The Johnsons, this North London gent is clearly exceptionally unique; juxtaposing cinematic grandeur and rich, resounding vocals with simple, articulated conversational interludes, just one song in and the audience is left completely stunned.

A few songs later and Benjamin shows his gratitude for the rapturous – though civilised – applause by simply taking a humble bow, as he whispers “Thank you, thank you so much. I’m surprised you all came – I really can’t believe you’re here”, and timidly jokes that he’d expect people to find him boring… Ben, there is not a word that could be further from the truth – if I could describe this performance in one word, it would most certainly not be boring!

Spectacular. That’s what it is. As he bursts into another majestic track, ‘Condolences’, each and every one of us remains utterly spellbound. As Clementine oozes emotional intensity and incredible power through his unique vocals (a complete contrast to his gentle, softly spoken whisper when speaking), I’d be surprised if there’s a dry eye in the house. Accompanied by sweeping cello melodies for jazzier numbers such as ‘Adios’, Clementine’s potent vocals exude a tone not dissimilar to that of the great Nina Simone, whilst – my personal favourite – ‘Cornerstone’ is filled with classically inspired melodies and that crisp, clear-cut North London enunciation of his; just one of the many qualities that mark this young singer-songwriter out as quite exceptional.

And it’s not just his extraordinary musical talent that makes Clementine’s intimate set so engrossing, the way in which he has structured the setlist seems – in itself – to tell a story. The songs almost seem to chronologically tell the tale of his life so far: from his upbringing in Edmonton, to his days busking on the streets of Paris and his return to search for meaning in London. Introducing the angst-strewn ‘I Won’t Complain’ as a song about job hunting in France, he immediately follows that up with heartfelt exclamations of “London is calling you”, and I can’t help but feel the intense personal truth exposed in each and every one of his poetic lyrics. Whether he’s singing about heartbreak or homelessness, reliving times of darkness or light, I find myself completely immersed in each genuinely enchanting tale he tells.

With each intense crescendo and haunting lyric, every song delivered is a truly spine-tingling anthem. Even when being interrupted by a rather rude, and seemingly lost, man incessantly shouting ‘Jenny!’ (hope he found her), Clementine manages to turn the slightly awkward situation into yet another beautiful song – as his smooth voice sings ‘Jenny, where are yooou?’, he not only proves his extreme talent, but his humour too.

So, Benjamin, ‘boring’ is not the word you’re looking for; spectacular or simply stunning would do just nicely.

Mari Lane

@marimindles