ZIGGY ALBERTS // o2 ACADEMY, BOURNEMOUTH

The perfect retreat from the storm outside to a night full of calm, community, and chill vibes.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5

Ziggy Alberts. Photo Credit: Janneke Storm

There may have been a storm pouring outside, but inside we were transported to a place where the sun was shining and a heatwave was close. Australian singer-songwriter Ziggy Alberts, currently in the midst of his EU & UK tour, made a stop in the seaside town of Bournemouth. And while the weather didn’t match the sunny vibes of his music, the atmosphere inside more than made up for it. 

Warming up the crowd and taking to the stage was Aine Deane. Dressed in every country girl's dream outfit, she looked the part. But it was her vocals that well and truly stood out. The perfect complement to open for an act like Ziggy. For a midweek night (and a miserable one at that!), it can be hard to be motivated to move. But she did a fantastic job of transporting us to a lazy, hazy day. 

Through stories of love and heartbreak, she charmed the audience, playfully warning that anyone happily in love might want to preoccupy themselves, as these songs aren’t for you. Her music carried a relatable nostalgia to those years of young love in our teens, where we all thought it would be buttercups and daisies. Layered in vulnerability, her voice didn’t need much to heighten the performance. “Older” carried that heartfelt sentiment alongside both her talent and her humour. She also treated the audience to a debut performance of her new single “Bones”, which is out now. 

It was time for Ziggy, who was singing out folk classics like “Days in the Sun”, instantly making me yearn for the summer days again in stark contrast to what was taking place outside. His smooth vocals had the crowd in a grip, transfixed on his vocal control. The crowd itself were relaxed, as they should be. For songs such as these that carry emotion and are soothing, you don’t want people badly singing over him; you just want to float away and listen to him. 

Performing songs from his 2014 album Land & Sea, including “Hands I Can Hold”, his look embodied that vibe. You get the feeling that he’s very comfortable as he is in his own skin, and there is no need for flashy outfits. Ziggy's atmosphere and energy are what truly complement his music; after all, blaring sirens and lasers wouldn't fit the theme. Instead, his stripped-back vocals are what made the night feel so special. That easygoing spirit came through in his outfit with an unbuttoned shirt, white jeans, and bare feet. Nothing but him and a guitar and a stompbox, no elaborate staging. It was simplistic, gentle, and felt like a bit of R&R. 

In between tracks, the gentle sounds of wildlife, such as birds, played softly, like real-time white noise, helping the audience get in that extra mode of switching off from the outside world. When he moved to the piano for a rendition of “Stronger” encased in nothing but a single spotlight, the moment was truly theatrical. “We can be stronger now,” the lyrics floated across the room to an audience happily hanging on to every note.

He remarked how happy he was to be back in Bournemouth so soon, having performed here just last year, and it was clear he was truly in his element as he began to sing out “Where Does The Love Go?” His conversation between tracks was nothing but wholesome. Just like his music, light-hearted yet heartfelt and filled with very wise words. 

His Buddhist beliefs served a gentle storyline between songs, with spoken word acts of affirmations and reflections on what he’s grateful for that were interwoven with a nod to a very relaxed and calming presence. And honestly the whole thing was positive and enlightening. For a moment, he encouraged the audience to pause and appreciate the good around them, something in our own lives, no matter how small, even something as simple as having a meal that day.

Those blessings turned into a reality as he appeared in the crowd playing his guitar and singing a few songs, which made it all look so incredibly effortless. It felt like it was a casual jam session with friends, yet he delivered it with such gusto and vocal strength. As he began to sing “Learn Yourself”, a song he wrote on a beach in Hawaii, the infectious, foot-tapping rhythm had the audience swaying merrily. Again, they never sang too loudly; instead, he let the quiet moments give permission for the crowd to cheer, with several screaming, “We love you, Ziggy,” and clapping in perfect harmony.

Then announcing he wanted to be in the centre of everyone, and as he walked through, the audience respectfully parted, letting him move freely while he sang tracks like “Gone (The Pocahontas Song).” Moments like these felt straight out of a movie, the kind where a musician appears by a campfire with a guitar, but this time everyone wanted him to sing and interact. Someone next to me playfully remarked that he looked like Moses parting the sea of people or even Jesus making an appearance, and yet somehow both felt quite accurate. 

Closing in the night with an encore including the beautiful “Laps around the Sun”. Starting with a sunrise and ending with the desire to go for another lap is exactly what I’m sure many of us were feeling tonight. We could really feel the warmth radiating from him. The whole experience felt like the gap year I never took. A rare chance to just breathe, unwind and be in the moment. It felt like my own little world of calamity, a reset, and a bubble from the outside world. If you ever get the chance to see him live, I highly recommend treating yourself to a wonderful night.

REVIEW BY: KIRSTY BRIGHT