Gig Reviews – Essentially Pop

Debut Album Launch Proves Kris James To Be One To Watch For In 2022

November 22, 2021

Kris James took to the stage at the Liverpool Hope Street Hotel last Wednesday evening to give the biggest performance of his career thus far – the one which would officially see his debut album, the self-titled Kris James, triumphantly into the world.

Cha:dy Launches Her Brilliant New EP ‘Manifesto of Honesty’ At The Superb Battersea Barge.

November 22, 2021

Having put back the launch due to Covid restrictions, it was so nice to be in a room of such diversity all united in that familiar love of music, and for Cha:dy in particular. The Battersea Barge could not have been better suited and I can’t wait to visit again.

Griff at O2 Shepherd's Bush 27 October. Photo Credit Ruby Gaunt

Griff Wows At Sold Out Show At O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire 27 October

October 29, 2021

Griff, performing at the sold out O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire, put on a short but excellent show on Wednesday night.

Review Of Picture This ‘Life In Colour’ Tour At The O2 Academy, Brixton On Thursday 14th October

October 20, 2021

Irish band Picture This, performing at the O2 Academy in Brixton for their ‘Life in Colour’ tour, put on a high energy and extremely entertaining show with a mix of new album tracks and older favourites.

JC Stewart, Eventim Apollo, 17 September - Photo Credit Ruby Gaunt

JC Stewart Opens For The Vamps ‘Cherry Blossom’ Tour At Eventim Apollo Friday 17th September

September 22, 2021

JC Stewart, opening for The Vamps at Eventim Apollo, was greeted by huge screams from the almost full venue before even stepping on stage.

The Vamps, Eventim Apollo, 17 September - Photo Credit Ruby Gaunt

The Vamps ‘Cherry Blossom’ Tour Rocked Eventim Apollo Friday 17th September

September 22, 2021

The Vamps ‘Cherry Blossom’ tour was the first concert I’ve been to post-pandemic and what a first show to go to! At the beautiful Eventim Apollo, full of a crowd prepared to sing (and scream) their hearts out, The Vamps put on an excellent show with a mix of fan favourites from previous albums as well as tracks from their latest release ‘Cherry Blossom’, written and recorded over lockdowns in 2020.

Blanks Wows At VidCon London 2020

February 25, 2020

Expanding his internet empire into the realm of pop music is Blanks, best-known for his 80s reworkings of current pop hits on his staggeringly successful YouTube channel.

Tom Walker At OMEARA, London As Part Of BRITs Week With War Child

February 18, 2020

I considered myself very lucky to be watching an incredible artist play an intimate set at an outstanding music venue in London on Valentine’s Day in aid of a charity which carries out important work. It really felt like the stars had aligned themselves!

Soda Blonde Held Us In The Palms Of Their Not At All Terrible Hands At Whelan’s Dublin 16 December

December 20, 2019

It was a concert that wasn’t meant to happen but due to popular demand and a sold out Sunday night show, I was privileged to see Soda Blonde in action at Whelan’s in Dublin on Monday night, supported by The Junior Show, with their “last show of the decade”.

The Vamps Perform Their Last Show of 2019 in London for Centrepoint! – Review

December 17, 2019

The Vamps have had quite the year. 2019 started off strong for them as they released their new EP ‘Missing You’ in which this was the first time the band had full control over writing and producing the songs themselves. They then set out on their Four Corners tour where they travelled all across the UK, the rest of Europe and Asia performing to their adoring fans.

Against The Current Visits Cardiff As Part of Their European Tour!

December 17, 2019

Against the Current have very recently wrapped up their massive 2019 European tour, but not before visiting Cardiff’s student union for an outstanding performance.

A Little More milk: Dublin Four Piece Kept Away The Cold At Dublin’s Workman’s Club 14 December

December 15, 2019

milk. have only been around for a minute but listening to them last night at Dublin’s Workman’s Club it feel as though it’s been at least two.

Dido, Brighton Centre, 4 December 2019. Photo Credit: Pedro Maltez

Dido Live At The Brighton Centre December 4, 2019 – Concert Review

December 6, 2019

Dido headed to the Brighton Centre on the 4th of December as part of her first worldwide tour in 15 years. As well as performing material from her latest album, ‘Still on My Mind’, the singer delivered excellent performances of her timeless hits such as ‘Thank You’, ‘White Flag’ and ‘Life for Rent’.

North Shields Indie-Rocker Sam Fender Tears Apart Brighton Dome Amid His Hypersonic Missiles Tour

December 4, 2019

Zac Sherratt reviews Sam Fender’s show at the Brighton Dome.

Rebecca Ferguson Wows Full House At Boisdale After Minor Hiccup

November 28, 2019

Rebecca Ferguson, ably supported by her 3 piece band and wonderful backing singer Wendi Harriott, wowed the audience on Tuesday night during her performance at Boisdale, Cabot Square, Canary Wharf.

Stay With Me: Delena Proves Perfect Support For Brilliant Shakespears Sister Show At Brighton Dome

November 28, 2019

November 20 saw the final performance for the month long ‘Ride Again’ tour, headlined by Shakespears Sister. The group returned to its most recognisable membership of Siobhan Fahey and Marcella Detroit, when the pair reunited last year after a 25 year break. Since then they have released the compilation album ‘Singles Party’ in July this year, followed by the ‘Ride Again’ EP in October, their first original material since the split.

President Street Bring Something New To The Bedford At Their Intimate Acoustic Gig Last Night

November 27, 2019

We were lucky enough to catch the genre-defying President Street at their live acoustic set at The Bedford last night!

Kishi Bashi Presents His Evocative Music In Brighton – Concert Review

November 25, 2019

The second show for Kishi Bashi’s European tour hit The Hope and Ruin in Brighton last night. The singer and multi-instrumentalist, who is back in Europe after a very successful American leg, performed songs from his latest album, ‘Omoiyari‘, as well as many tracks from his previous works, including a sublime violin-led cover of Talking Heads’, ’This Must Be the Place’.