The Deaf Institute’s intimate setting makes you feel like you’re part of something special, especially when you’re witnessing Jake Evans’ debut album in it’s live format. The condense yet quirky feel to the venue, with patterned wall-paper and a condense yet quirky space, adorned with a glitter-ball looming from the ceiling gives the event a selective feel, making you feel like your part of something audacious. With a keen crowd, the space is rammed by 8:30 ready to see Jake Evans in his enthusing live format.

‘Just waiting for Jake Evans to pay his parking,’ jokes Evans’ drummer, situating the evening in an amiable setting, as he and the bassist await the leading mans presence onstage. It’s surprising to see that the rousing rock and roll of Day One is down to the powerful energy of a three-piece, as their enthusiastic resonance lives up to that of a larger band.

Plummeting into animated rock ‘Rise’ wallops in a professional and authentic sound, which is thicker than on record. It somewhat takes you back. The drums are of a cracking crystal clear, showing focused instrumentation that drives and a perfectionist sound-team at The Deaf Institute. ‘It’s not right but it’s okay, we ride…’ pools Evan’s voice in cooling waves that poignantly touch the soul in a shivering live catharsis. On Day One listening to Evans’ recorded format, his talented voice and lyrics are a focus, yet live we notice his aptitude as a guitar player. With a small zealous kick of his leg, Evans works his guitar like a true impassioned artist. The crowd rises in cheers to leave a satisfied beaming smile on Jake Evans, at a fantastic reception to his opener.

‘This Is Life’ receives whoops from the crowd at just its title being announced, it’s important to remember Evans’ debut has only just dropped, yet the crowd are very receiving tonight. Electrifying guitar rings in a chilling shrill dynamism, as the lights atmospherically focus into two beams on each guitarist. Evans’ vocals spin in edgy rock tones as we beam up to the sky with the vigor of his hook, ‘And I look to the heavens and I here a symphony!’ With live character, a funkier feel and touches of ecstatic reverb the single bounces into its true form. Evans leans back upon his eloquently ferocious guitar strikes, and light reflects from the guitars metallic sheen, radiating the beam of energy from the singer’s playing in a contemplative beaming glow.

A moodier tone meets ‘Day One’ in a live set, as thunderous drums and deep, dark and bluesy bass contrast sweet melodic and dreamy plucks of guitar. The song meets it’s full nightmarish elevation, as it lifts from the dark to the light like a cloud sweeping over the sun. ‘I’ve got this feeling again, I find so hard to explain… In all this beauty…’ croons Evans as the song transcends like a turning of a page, as instrumentation rises with the lyrics changing mood.

Electronics see play on ‘Sun Goes Down’ and ‘Telephone’, the beats and electronic atmospherics serve a dancing funk that merges with the energy of a usually guitar driven genre. And somehow the collision of musical elements creates a funky and kaleidoscopic resonance, that gears rock and roll into an enthusing new space.

In the introduction of ‘Feed The Fire’ from former band Bad Lieutenant, Evans jests of his recent NME declaring him a ‘meat and potatoes rock band’, he jokingly takes this on the chin as he whirls into a bold statement track on ‘the horrible people running the show at the top’ he explains. With a powerful impact in message and instrumental drive Evan’s smears an NME journalist.

We simmer down with the cool breeze of ‘Easy On my Soul’ in a perfect finish to an eclectic set. The lights come up to bring the crowd and the band in a feeling of community, as the emotive and soulful track elates. On record ‘Easy On My Soul’ features a gospel choir which tonight is not required, due to the beauty of the audience soothingly calling the chorus in unison.

Tonight Jake Evans proved to be a professional in experimental rock and roll, dabbling in electronics to soul in order to drive to an altitude of contemporary unique rock and roll. If Jake Evans is a ‘meat and potatoes rock band’ he upholds to be high-priced rump steak, succulent gravy, fresh picked vegetables, creamy mash, sweet sauce, tongue tantalizing toppings and all the mouth-watering trimmings.

@EmSchofield