When it comes to independent record shops, Rough trade East is considered to be one of the jewels in the crown, especially with their near daily intimate gigs. Located in the heart of Shoreditch, in the East End of London, Rough Trade East (the flagship of two independent Record shops under the same name) is part of a converted brewery, thus creating the perfect setting for any style of gigs, as well as operating as a suitably attired record shop offering releases for a large variety of musical tastes. As they promote such a wide variety of music, there’s always somebody different playing on the cozy stage at the back of the store, this time it was Patrick Wolf‘s turn.
With six studio albums and ten years in the music business Patrick Wolf, from South London, has little to prove and is considered by many to be a ‘Pop Veteran’, and it was easy to see why. When he came onto the stage and started strumming the first chords to ‘House’, a track from his 2011 album Lupercalia, wearing his Adam And The Ants-esque outfit, Patrick and his band created an almost magical atmosphere, straight away grabbing the attention of everyone in the room. With such a raw and passionate voice, Patrick Wolf, for just over half an hour, made the crowd inside Rough Trade East static, with everyone’s eyes fixed on the singer, as his raw passion hit your body like a winter’s morning dew, sending shivers down the back of your spine.
One woman at the front of the stage stood motionless, hanging onto every word that he was saying, repeating line after line, song after song, showing the true passion which each of his songs created within the listeners, and how tremendously everyone related to him. As he said himself, the 30-minute show just wasn’t enough time to give the audience what they desired, causing him to continue, playing a very powerful version of ‘The Magic Position’, a song from his 2007 album titled with the same name. With his harmonious lyrics, quirky style and the variety of classical instruments utilized, it was easy to forget you were in a busy city like London, and imagine yourself instead in the more idyllic setting of a South Western Pub.
Patrick Wolfs new double album Sundark and Riverlight is out now on his own record label Bloody Chamber Music, available for download, CD and Vinyl,at all good record shops.
Words: Tom Seely
http://www.patrickwolf.com/
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