KAE TEMPEST // CORN EXCHANGE, EDINBURGH
KaE Tempest: Word Perfect
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
There’s something almost spiritual about watching Kae Tempest perform. At Edinburgh’s Corn Exchange, the poet-turned-musician delivered a masterclass in raw vulnerability, transforming the venue into a secular church where every word felt like a confession.
The night was opened by home favourite and BBC Introducing Artist of the Year winner Jacob Alon. Their bond with the audience was immediate. He delighted the audience with their unique vocal and stunning guitar play. Of Amber and Fairy in a Bottle from their first album, In Limerance. were stand outs in a truly high quality set.
If you get the opportunity to see this wonderful artist get out and see them.
Kae opened with Holy Elixir, immediately establishing the evening’s level of intensity his distinctive flow weaving between spoken word and melody, backed by keyboard player Pop Roberts’ pulsing synth work. The knowledgeable crowd, packed tight and reverential, hung on every syllable.
What followed was a stunningly crafted journey through Tempest’s expansive catalogue. Priority Boredom and The Beigeness showcased his gift for finding poetry in the mundane miseriesdetails of modern life, Salt Coast brought a more contemplative energy to proceedings.
Firesmoke brought soft, jazzy ripples of sound, the crowd swaying gently and soaking in every word. Move and More Pressure ratcheted up the tempo, before People’s Faces heartachingly beautiful, its observations about urban life feeling as vital as ever.‘I Stand
Tempest dominated the stage with a presence that drew in the excited crowd. Statue in the Square an anthem to those who don’t fit into the tight definitions of the industrial world, felt particularly poignant, passionate, perfectly executed. This was a shared protest, an act of defiance that had the crowd erupting.
Diagnoses and Hyperdistillation demonstrated Tempest’s most complex wordplay, before Forever, Breathe, and Till Morning brought genuine tenderness, Kae breathing life into the audience as the audience breathed life back into him. Arms open, welcoming the crowd to share the moment. It was magical.
Then came an a cappella medley of Grace that reprised the gig in a stunning spoken word performance, leaving the room in hushed reverence. The roars that followed reflected the audience’s realisation that they had witnessed something very special, something raw and honest.
The evening closed with a cover of George Michael’s ‘Freedom’, performed alongside collaborator Jacob Alon. It was a celebration, a liberation, pure joy. Both artists were obviously having a great time. The crowd danced and cheered, overflowing with love and gratitude.
Tempest left the stage to rapturous applause, having delivered proof that words still matter.
REVIEW BY: GRAEME WHITE