14 October 2015 (gig)
15 October 2015
New Zealand's All Blacks are likely to win the Rugby World Cup that's clogging up the pubs of London on weekend afternoons at the moment. They'll do it by playing their way, at pace and with power. It's a style that suits Tom Figgins. Tom is a small explosion of red hair from under a too tight hat. It's an old school look that works for his opener Flame of Desire, a country tinged barnstormer. Having stormed the barns, he slows down a little and while you can hear the passion and heart Rain On Me left me a little unmoved.
Bury My Ghosts picked up the pace and was lyrically smart. Clever phrases and lyrical depth helped Let Your Roots Grow and Mother up a notch from Rain On Me. The best of his short set came at the end. Permafrost and Giants were what you always want at a gig, something new, a bit special. They picked up the pace and added enough power to give the songs weight without blowing his voice away.
Both tunes highlight Tom's sound. Imagination and some unexpected turns give him a couple of tunes that push him out from the crowd. He's like a lot of musicians, he's in search of his own voice. The best thing about him is he's right on the verge of finding it.
(This review is courtesy of Sam Quentin)
