From Madonna’s first ever UK show in October 1983 to Prince’s surprise show on February 2nd 2015, the stars have lined-up to play a venue as prestigious as KOKO, and this was the turn of Nottingham’s Saint Raymond.
The 19-year-old singer-songwriter wasn’t doing things by half as the night began with a less bluesy-pop sound and a heavier, completed sound that eloquently demonstrated the ability of the supporting band, who complimented Callum Burrows’ personality and sound perfectly. With support slots for the likes of Haim and Ed Sheeran under his belt, Burrows confidently conducted the night to run smoothly – even with moments where he stepped out of the musician mind-frame and looked around to appreciate what was going on at one of his biggest headline shows to date.
Hits like ‘I Want You’ received rapturous applause and screams as a distinct bassline supported crisp and clean vocals. It was clear, despite comments before the gig, that Burrows did not strain his voice when singing live and it was, in fact, more powerful as a source of sound than the instruments which made the music. From tracks like ‘Ghost’ to others such as ‘Wild Heart’, there was a noticeable difference between the story-telling Saint Raymond, who can capture a tale so intimately with his lyrics, and hit-making Saint Raymond, where songs become anthems. Almost all of his songs include the two sides, but there are times when these skills can hit you hard, as they did with the audience who mouthed every word to his released singles, from the floor to the top balcony.
Signing a major record deal with Asylum Records – after his debut at Reading and Leeds – appears to have given Burrows that confidence and belief in himself to grow as a person and a musician. Still in his teen years, the artist performed some songs from his debut album, due out in the summer of this year. ‘The Great Escape’ shows a more developed sound and a larger passion for singing more vocally, ironically. Despite a more varied sound, more laid back but effective, there was a pleasant reaction to a song that was almost certainly unknown to everyone. This track also revealed the real ability of Saint Raymond’s guitar playing, as did ‘English Rose’ which showed the vulnerability of performing alone on stage – and also a real crowd-pleaser for the girls at the front who had waited to see the heart-throb for a couple of hours now.
Closing the night with, arguably, his biggest hit, ‘Fall At Your Feet’, got the crowd to indulge in his music one last time and leave us salivating for the album. If the 60 minute set proved anything, it’s that Saint Raymond has grown, and is growing, at a remarkable speed which is shown in the technicality of his more subtle pop music. There’s no sign of him slowing down, and there’s no need for him to. The Nottingham star is in no way in danger of ruining a reputation, but can only learn from each gig in how to project a strong, effective voice even further than he already can. There’s power behind his music and it’s starting to come through.
Connor Willis
@connorpwillis
Connor Willis
Latest posts by Connor Willis (see all)
- Introducing Interview: Tom Grennan - January 26, 2017
- ALBUM: So Pitted ‘Neo’ - January 20, 2016
- ALBUM: Foals ‘What Went Down’ - August 30, 2015
