Jamie T: Live, Nottingham Rock City, 19th January 2010

2010-01-20 10:01:39

Even though Jamie T doesn't seem to be anywhere near as hyped as he was around the time of the release of his Mercury music prize nominated debut album Panic Prevention, the little tinker has still managed to pack out Nottingham Rock City tonight. It's actually an incredible feat for any solo artist to have achieved and one which comes as a surprise to even me, the most hardened of JT fans.
    
The biggest surprise of the night is the support act, The Cold Ones
    
Still, it doesn't manage to top the biggest surprise of the night, for which the award is fiercely grabbed by Jamie T's support, The Cold Ones. Hardcore punk through and through (yes you read that right - Jamie T is being supported by a hardcore band on this tour), gobby frontman Russell Longmire rushes about the stage and pit like he’s a 12 year old with ADHD. He squirts water and beer at the crowd, bizarrely carries around a small radio and grabs a crowd member's mobile phone to take a photo of himself with them. The tunes aren't bad either. This kind of wholeheartedly entertaining performance is rare from a support band at Rock City and we need more of it - great stuff!
    
Enough of the entree though garcon, let's get onto the plat du jour. After having to cancel his November 2009 UK tour due to laryngitis, the crowd is more than eager to catch a glimpse of their hero tonight - and he doesn't disappoint. Even though his backing band are now pretty much permanent fixtures, Jamie T hasn't lost any of the vital, magnetic punch that he displayed when it was just him and an acoustic guitar doing (very good) support slots back in 2005. His lyrical storytelling is addictive and the solo star Strummer-esque style of his performance helps tracks like Kings And Queens stand out as pure quality, despite the unwelcome addition of annoying boozehounds in the crowd drunkenly yelling along to every word. Pish!
    
His lyrics pack a punky punch but are delivered with unpretentious charm
    
More tracks from his second album like 368, The Man's Machine and the incredible Back In The Game are aired to a completely converted near 3,000 strong audience. Again, the lyrics pack a punky punch but it’s all performed with a keen sense of self awareness. This may be down to the fact that even Treays is overwhelmed at the sheer number of people who have turned up to see him tonight. No matter what though, there's no denying that with his charming unpretentious delivery, Jamie T has the potential to reach the heroic 'man of the people' heights of someone like Billy Bragg. Keep churning out the tunes boy, you're well on your way.
    
Review: Michelle Dhillon
    
Images: Lucy Bellamy - more here and here
    

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