03 May 2007 (gig)
07 May 2007
South London skanker Jamie T brought the curtain down on his latest tour with a lively show at the Shepherds Bush Empire last night. And just as there wasn’t a still soul in the house as Jamie’s reggae-infused beats had everyone dancing away, not many people remained dry, as plastic pint glasses – most of them full – were flung across the venue.
Jamie’s debut album Panic Prevention was released early in the year and is a glorious observation of London life. Though the subject matter is often grim, you can’t help but feel uplifted by the sunny melodies and chirpy delivery. Backed by a live band known as the Pacemakers, Jamie T’s sound is much fuller in a live context than the stripped-down feel of the album.
Britain is currently blessed with an array of talented, young solo artists, with Jamie joining Just Jack, Example and Plan B in following a trail blazed by The Streets. Fresh as it sounds though, it is by no means a completely novel concept, and Jamie in particular owes a lot to Joe Strummer, most noticeably for the patois he delivers his songs in. Jamie acknowledged as much last night, dedicating Calm Down Dearest to the late Clash frontman.
Despite the undoubted proficiency of his backing band, one of last night’s finer points was when Jamie went solo for Back In The Game. Latest single Sheila was given a riotous airing, as were a couple of new numbers including Back To Mine For A Moonshine, a potential future hit.
Jamie’s knowing blend of street savvy lyrics and jangly guitars mean he straddles genre and appeals to a wide cross-section of music lovers. And for a new generation of rebels, this is never more aptly captured than on Sheila when a posh voice intones: 'Good heaven you boys, blue-blooded murder of the English tongue,' only to be interrupted by a 'brap!' from Jamie. If ever a movement had a battle cry, this is it.
It may not be entirely original, but when you can pick and mix from whatever influences you like and create a sound this fresh, then even the sticklers have to sit up and take notice.
