Gig Review: TOM ODELL at Metro Theatre

image courtesy of emmawiepkng

January 2nd 2014, I had the pleasure of ringing in the new year at Sydney's Metro Theatre with BRIT award winner Tom Odell.

The gig was phenomenal. Odell and his band have absolutely perfected the art of performing. Seated at his piano, the English born singer/songwriter sailed through a 45 minute set list that varied in genre from pop, to gospel and blues so effortlessly you would presume he had been in the game longer than his mere 23 years of age would allow. 

The set opened with a crowd favourite Grow Old With Me. Odell's melodies and romanticised lyricism had the audience enthralled. He energetically continued through most of his repertoire including tracks from both his EP Another Love and recent album release Long Way Down. The set list included a cover of The Beatles' Oh Darling and Muddy Waters' Just Want To Make Love To You. Both covers were a bold move by the young artist however he successfully pulled them off with finesse and poise.

I'd like to make special mention of the band that accompanied Tom Odell on stage. It was clear that they have been playing together for a long time. Their talent complemented each other and their on-stage banter entertained the crowd. The bassist, guitarist and drummer all received solo opportunities and at the end all four performers on stage took a bow together. It was nice to see a solo artist pay such homage to his fellow musicians who were also clearly his friends.

Tom Odell has a definite flair for live performance. His raw talent is a game changer for this industry where lip-syncing and auto-tune are now common place. If you have the chance to witness this prodigy live, I really suggest you take it.

image courtesy of phamoustk

Set list

Grow Old With Me

Can't Pretend

Sirens

Sense

I Know

Oh Darling

Till I Lost

Supposed To Be

Another Love

Hold Me

(Encore)

Gone At Last

See If I Care

Just Want To Make Love To You

Cruel