It’s incredibly easy to sink into a pessimistic outlook on the world when looking at mainstream medias and the dire position we all seem to be in. Iconic political singer Billy Bragg noted when I saw him last year that now is probably the best time in history to be a political singer and tonight’s show from Beans On Toast is just one clear example of just what Billy was talking about. Buckle up, because you're in for a night of satirical perceptions on 21st century issues intertwined with humour, an overall positive outlook on life and some of the greatest folk and acoustic musicians I’ve ever heard. Beans on Toast’s sound may not be for everyone and even he appreciates this, however for those foolish enough to stay, you’re in for more than a few belly aches.

Tonight’s support offered one of the most engaging personas I’ve seen in a while. Gecko is the name of one bright faced Londoner who delightfully combines spoken word with subtle feel good melodies, his material addresses everything and anything from major issues like technology ruining humanity, right up to his favourite drink (it’s guanabana juice). His sense of humour is a key part of the act and lands incredibly well with everyone in the room, by the time his set is not even at the half way point the room has reached its capacity and it’s as though he was headlining, a seriously impressive achievement for any support act. Despite Gecko’s humour being a key point, it is actually his sung vocals which really bring his material to life, his spoken words translate surprisingly well into strong and soothing notes that make for an enjoyable listen from start to finish. Gecko’s simplistic beats offer an incredibly catchy and engaging listen yet offer a constant reminder of the modern issues we face today and the ways to laugh at the bizarre social conducts we fall into. I really expect Gecko to come far in his field and his material is a lovely reminder of just some of the wonders that upcoming music holds.

Between the interval, Sticky Mike’s has filled to the point of bursting and the time has come to witness the hilarity and genius of Beans on Toast. As soon as Beans (aka, Jay McAllister) enters the stage, his husky vocals and acoustics fill the room producing an instantly warming vibe. Jay’s first few numbers are clear stabs at Trump and American politics in general, he showcases a few numbers and ‘The War On War’ makes a pleasant appearance, reminding us to emphasise love and generosity as opposed to enforcing hate on one another and to instead “Just spark up this spliff.” A great start to the show.

Tonight’s performance comes in coordination with Independent Music Week and Jay being the character he is, not only preaches about the importance of these venues, but takes it one step further in compiling a three-song medley all about independent venues. This medley tells us not only about his own personal experiences with independent venues but reminds us that they act as the social binding which bring together upcoming musicians and their fans in a delightful environment that benefits all, Sticky Mike’s is certainly no exception to this. This being said, one of the more magical moments from tonight’s show comes in the form of a love song dedicated to a couple in the audience who both love Jay’s music and asked him to write a song for their significant other. The song itself is nothing particularly radical, simply explaining a regular day from the perspectives of the couple but it is incredibly moving when you see the couple swaying along together in the front row hand in hand, the track is greeted by a deafening applause and it feels as though the room has bonded just that little bit more.

Tonight’s response to all of Jay’s material, whether it be new or old, is simply fantastic. Being an artist who has released a countless number of tracks, (seriously, his 2009 album alone is made up of over 50 songs). Each released number is responded to with a choir of chanting in the infectious choruses whilst even the unreleased numbers are still caught by a wave of applause and swaying heads. Being in this position of having so many tracks at his disposal, the majority of the set is completely ad libbed and multiple times Jay relies on what the audience wants to hear, asking the crowd for suggestions. This is a dangerous tactic and whilst it predominantly paid off, giving a really nice humanistic side to the evening, there were still one or two moments met with an awkward silence as he couldn't remember how to play the song.

Nonetheless, the bigger stapled numbers do make a really engaging appearance ‘M. D. M. Amazing’ and ‘A Whole Lot Of Loving’ bringing the entire room together and chanting the lyrics alongside one another. There is something incredibly special about Jay’s style of folk music, his imperfectionist nature is what makes the show just that little more special, each slip of the lyrics acts as a nice reminder that we’re all human and just here to have a great time and so, in that respect, Jay excels.

Despite tonight’s coverage of such a dismal future, it’s clear that everyone tonight has left in an incredibly uplifted mood. Themes of love, respect for one another and community are omnipresent and there is a really refreshing buzz all through the venue, as we are reminded that we are not only the cause of the world’s problems but also have the power to act as the solution. I would recommend anyone to see Beans On Toast, Jay’s music is a great reminder of the power music has in bringing people of all backgrounds together and I’m fairly sure that more than a few new friendships will have blossomed from tonight’s performance, and is that not what music is all about?
Ben Walker

Website: beansontoastmusic.com
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Twitter: twitter.com/beanstoast