The audience may not have known what to expect from Paolo Nutini, given he had resurfaced after half a decade of musical hibernation. What they got was an eclectic mix of soul, rock and pop that, although unlikely to linger long in the memory, was an enjoyable romp nonetheless.
Scream (Funk My Life Up) opened the sold-out show with just the right amount of suggestion and swagger. A gospel singer and two-piece horn section added extra texture and seasoning to a set built mostly around latest studio album, Caustic Love.
Of the new songs, Better Man and One Day emerged as genuine emotional contenders while Iron Sky sounded so instantly spine-tinglingly epic it deserves to grace the singer’s live sets for some time to come. The stand-out was the slow, brooding rock version of Recover by Scottish electro band Chvrches, which added depth absent from the original.
While the mixed bag of styles didn’t always convince, there was no doubting Nutini’s trump card – his voice: pleasantly battered, it sounded as authentic as any vintage 45 and infused the evening with the kind of warmth and sincerity that sent the likable Scot’s fans home happy.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article