George Ezra by Colm Kelly _Photo Credit Colm Kelly

 George Ezra at the Sugar Club, Dublin, 19th of February 2014

The Sugar Club was bursting at the seams on Wednesday night as concert goers overflowed into the side aisles and huddled at the bar to catch a glimpse of BBC Sound of 2014 shortlister George Ezra.

Following support from Soak, Ezra bounced through the side door and skipped on stage to stand alongside his two guitars. “I’ve two now, I’m a professional,” he jokes. For the 20 year old it’s been a good start to 2014. His album is being finalised, he has the support of major media outlets in UK such as MTV and VEVO and is currently embarking on a sold out tour in Europe on the back of one EP.

It’s refreshing to see an artist play for forty minutes with just a guitar and no other frills or distractions. His vocals are rich, gritty and warm, alternating between soft and powerful. Benjamin Twine has the audience cooing over the overemphasized drawl in the verses “Oh by gosh you know she’s worth it,” which he delivers with a cheeky grin.

He is a storyteller and introduces every song with a tale, the majority are connected to an InterRailing trip around Europe. Budapest is an obvious highlight of this category and he encourages the audience to clap along.

A few tracks from the new EP such as What You Waiting For and Cassy O’ are given a test run. He wraps up the gig with Did You Hear The Rain with a striking, alternative intro from the recorded version. Not before long his head pops out of the side door and he peers at the audience. “I’m not used to this thing yet, I’m not sure if you want an encore or not but you’re getting one anyway,” he laughs and delivers Blind Man In Amsterdam as the grand finale.

It is very much a showcase tour, with a focus on small, intimate venues. The fact that every date on the European leg is sold out is testament to the fact that there is demand for him at the moment. It won’t be long before bigger venues are needed.

The show is short and sweet and George’s audience interaction is light-hearted and cheeky. The show served it’s function to shine a spotlight on the talented youngster with a voice older than his years. It will be interesting to see how his show develops and if he will incorporate a full band for festival season after the release of his album.

George Ezra Photo Gallery

Photos: Colm Kelly

Soak Photo Gallery