On Friday 8th November Jordan Rakei enchanted audience members with his jazz-inspired, neo-soul beats and soft vocals, with support from British singer-songwriter Sam Wills.
This evening’s sold-out show is testament to Rakei’s success in North America, proving that the New Zealand-born, Australian-bred, and London-based artist has slowly but surely accumulated a loyal, international fan base.
Tonight’s support act is Sam Wills. Hailing from the UK, Wills has been making music for a few years now, and his portfolio includes collaborations with the likes of Tom Misch and Joe Hertz. His laid-back, electronic soul is reminiscent of James Blake.
Quick to the stage, armed with no more than a keyboard, Wills gives a vulnerable performance, with impressive vocals and poetic lyrics. Walking Underwater catches me off guard, and I find myself singing along to the chorus, even though I’ve never heard the song before.
Jordan Rakei, king of jazz-infused beats and master of live looping is up next. Dressed casually in a cap, he almost manages to blend into the background despite being centre stage. It’s this introverted and unassuming nature which is, for some reason, so captivating about Rakei. As if the more he shies away from attention, the more that audiences flock.
Opening with Midnight Mischief from his 2016 album Cloak, the song slowly and hauntingly builds up, before collapsing under Rakei’s honey soft voice.
The tour marks the release of his third studio album, Origin. Rakei seamlessly switches between older songs such as Talk To Me, and already popular songs from his new album including Signs and Say Something.
Sorceress, one of my favourite tracks from the new album, leaves the audience completely silent as if in a trance. The mystical sounds, combined with the deep blue lights, create an otherworldly atmosphere, which is only broken by rapturous applause.
All too soon, and it’s the end of the night. Rakei announces that he is going to break the fourth wall by telling us that ‘this is the encore’, ending with an extended version of Mind’s Eye. Rakei is a highly gifted, creative performer. No longer just ‘one to watch’, all eyes are firmly on him.
Review – Cate Spree
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