Over the past few years Ryan Keen has toured extensively around the UK building up his fan base and he’s landed himself firmly amongst the best of Britain’s fresh talent including Tom Odell, Delilah, and his pals Newton Faulkner and Ed Sheeran.

A nice sized crowd turned out on this crap-tastic rainy Saturday night to fill the Temple bar of The Institute. The audience was fun, friendly and oh-so-polite as an immediate silence welcomed Keen’s first strums. This may have taken him aback somewhat but it showed that they were here for one thing and one thing only. Him.

It’s easy to understand why. The Devon-born singer-songwriter has a style that sets him apart from  the others. Influenced by Flamenco, Keen’s style is percussive and when coupled with his emotive lyrics, breathy vocals and his charming affable personality it’s obvious why the girls swoon and the guys give him kudos.  ‘Focus’ perfectly showed off his virtuosic guitar mastery and like with much of his songwriting the lyrics are quite introspective. There are elements of angst and sadness in many of his lyrics and it may seem like a contradiction that they are delivered with such optimism, ‘Aiming For The Sun’ and ‘Wish You Well’ show this dichotomy perfectly.

This tour celebrates the release of his album ‘Room For Light’ and he is supported by percussion, keys, bass & backing vocals. Performing with band members rather than solo definitely added depth (and volume) to the new songs he showcased. Keen’s rapport with the audience was faultless and they provided additional vocals when prompted. Keen once told me that he admired Coldplay and how awesome it must be to have a crowd of thousands sing your lyrics along with you. There weren’t thousands in Birmingham but he definitely got a taste of what that feels like.

Get his album; see him live; and shove over Sheeran ‘cos Ryan Keen has arrived.

The night’s highlights: Keen performing the encore unplugged and in-the- round amongst the audience.

 

Set List:

Know About Me

Wish You Well

Skin & Bones

Aiming For The Sun

Body Over Mind

Coming Home

Orelia

Focus

All This Time

Kingsland Road

Trouble

See Me Now

Old Scars

Thank You

When The Day Breaks