GIG REVIEW – John Newman: May 1 at The Hi-Fi
Image: John Newman
From their opening instrumentation, Melbourne nine-piece Saskwatch make use of their half-an-hour opening set with unmatchable energy. Lead singer Nkechi Anele, whose stellar vocals could pitch her alongside all manner of divas, doesn’t give in as she storms through gems from their album Nose Dive. However, nothing can compare to their live rendition of A Love Divine, with snarling riffs, a sultry vibe, and those indestructible lungs of Anele blasting the audience’s faces.
There’s a few things working against the star of the show. British lad John Newman, has to contend with a slight mishap involving the revealing curtain. Nevertheless, Newman emerges determined. Kicking it off with his album opener Tribute, his signature vocals are unwavering as he slicks his one and only dance move across the stage.
Songs such as Losing Sleep and Out Of My Head contain acoustic openers that add a stripped-back vibe to these already bursting hits. Yet it’s not until an encore of his Rudimental collaboration, Not Giving In, and his hit single Love Me Again, that the spectators of his show open their eyes and come alive.
However, who can blame them for taking so long to catch on? They’ve been blinded by the atrocious lighting design for the whole set. (CD)
Nose Dive by Saskwatch out now via Northside Records/Remote Control.
Tribute by John Newman out now via Universal Music.
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