JAMES MARRIOTT // O2 ACADEMY, BOURNEMOUTH
JAMES MARRIOTT WARMS UP BOURNEMOUTH ON A BITTER NIGHT
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
JAMES MARRIOTT AT O2 ACADEMY, BOURNEMOUTH
PHOTOCREDIT: CALLUM LINKLATER
It’s a cold bitter night in the coastal town of Boscombe. Whilst I’m sure many had to deal with the faff of train delays that didn’t stop there being a queue trailing down the high street, the longest one of the security staff told me they’ve seen before.
The night kicked off with two vibrant support acts. The first, performing Chappell Roan’s “Good Luck Babe,” creating an infectious atmosphere that got the audience singing. Followed by a mash up of Noah Kahan's “Season of the Sticks” even though the venue wasn’t yet full the crowd was loud. Some voiced their discomfort about the chilly air inside, a juxtaposition to the warmth I’ve experienced at previous shows. Perhaps it was the cold that kept most from dancing. I did however watch a group on the middle balcony bust out the Macarena. It was heartwarming to see people from different backgrounds connect, sharing laughs like old friends , which must have provided a comfortable experience for those attending their first gig.
I must admit this is my first taste of James Marriotts music. Although I have seen him in YouTube videos alongside WillNE, where the pair occasionally poke fun at his tracks. I hadn’t felt compelled to discover his music until now, honestly I see the appeal it’s clear he’s captured a dedicated fan base.
As James stepped onto the stage through thick fog, he conveyed a sense of confusion alike a deer caught in headlights, though evident this was all part of the act. The lighting dark and mysterious opening with Ventriloquist drew a more intimate experience. The line “do you ever get the feeling, everyone is stating at me,” was delivered in a way that increased that feeling. The energy picked up during the second and third songs, ‘Something Wong’ and ‘Plasticine.’ Fans let out enthusiastic cheers, singing along word for word. With that in mind I did notice the pacing felt a bit uneven, as the tempo slowed right back down before ramping back up again closer towards the end of set it felt like it’d only just warmed up. Perhaps I was wanting more?
A commendable trait of James is his obvious ability not to take himself too seriously, as he engages playfully with the audience. Pointing out fans playing the kazoo and sharing some banter. It’s refreshing to witness a YouTuber seamlessly transition into a musical career, bringing charisma and humility in equal measure. Perhaps his undeniable charm is amplified by his notable biceps, eliciting occasional wolf whistles from the crowd. I was perhaps a little surprised when James encouraged a mosh pit especially since I had noticed one earlier too. It’s not something I would have expected given his Indie style. A lot different from other shows I’ve seen like Enter Shikari for example.
This being my first taste of James Marriott’s music actually worked in the show’s favour. I came in with low expectations, knowing him more from YouTube banter than from his tracks, and left understanding the appeal of his fan base. That discovery alone gives the night extra credit. However, the uneven pacing did affect my experience. Just as the energy would build, it slowed again, leaving the show feeling like it never fully hit its peak.
REVIEW + PHOTOS BY: CALLUM LINKLATER