Jamie T, The Roundhouse, Camden, London - July 1st
Two years on from the critically acclaimed debut album Panic Prevention, Jamie T was back last week at The Roundhouse to treat his fans to an array of new material from the south Londoner’s latest offering Kings & Queens, an album set to provide yet more of tales of inner city suburban life. The sudden eruption of excitement when the man himself swaggered on stage highlighted how highly anticipated this second album is and Jamie wasted no time in whipping up this energy and getting his frantic crowd involved with a set that combined everything that a Jamie T fan has come to love from him - a fast paced, scrappy, just-put-together sound that’s guaranteed to lift your mood - musical prozac with a quiff.
As a performer Jamie exudes attitude and had the crowd eating out the palm of his hand as he jumped around the stage from amp to amp enthusiastically yelling “are you ready for a dance?” And much to the crowd’s delight, after a boisterous version of Salvador he jumped right on in there and joined them for a spot of crowd surfing. New single Sticks ‘n’ Stones received one of the best responses of the night which goes to show Jamie still has a way with a chorus; and the previously unheard Dance Of The Young excited the audience further with its ska influence. Conversely, Earth, Wind & Fire was a touch underwhelming with a chorus that never really took off, but Calm Down Dearest with its breezy beats and intoxicating melody was a reminder of exactly why this Londoner is so hyped right now.
Unsurprisingly the absolute highlight of the night was saved until last, the twice-released Sheila which is undoubtedly the fans’ anthem, a fantastic track that elevated the night into a festival atmosphere. As this final track was played out, the lights abruptly came up and the rapturous mood suddenly came crashing down; only 55 minutes later and it was time to go. Nevertheless Jamie T and his band the Pacemakers put on a stellar performance especially given the fact that the set was heavily new material based - he’ll be touring the new album around the country in October.
(Philippa Proctor)
