Ghostpoet (aka Obaro Ejimiwe) has long been one of BrightonsFinest’s favourite UK talents ever since he gained wide acclaim with his debut album, Peanut Butter Blues & Melanchly Jam, which got nominated in perhaps one of the strongest Mercury Prize’s ever in 2011. Now touring his third album, Shedding Skin, his music has evolved from the glitchier electronic sounds to a new live orientated set up which I couldn’t rate any higher.

 

Palace were the perfect way start a night of quality music. The Four piece from London have been supporting Ghostpoet throughout his UK tour, as well as Jamie T on his recent tour, and they have been winning fans right, left and centre with their great sound. Their warm indie pop is full of melodic intertwining guitars that envelopes the crowd. The intoxicating sound is reminiscent of the dreamy sounds of the Foals or Jack Peñate, and is immensely likeable. These guys are playing at the Brighton Coliseum on the Friday of The Great Escape Festival this year and should definitely be checked out.

 

Apart from a few classic tracks, Ghostpoet mainly performed songs off the lattest LP, and they were outstanding. Apart from the first song, where the bass notes overshadowed the music, everything sounded flawless with Obaro’s lyrics coming across clear and commanding. The negative story to the majority of their tracks didn’t seem to get anyone down as the sell-out crowd was pumping, and, once told by Obaro that they were allowed to sing along, belted out most of his lyrics. The crowd had an affinity with the Coventry MC, who was happy to let himself get lost in his songs, and they replicated the energy he was putting into the performance. The changing lights in the low-ceilinged Komedia, silhouetted Obaro’s formidable figure, adding to the already intense atmosphere that had been generated.

 

Throughout the set, the audience couldn’t stop shouting and cheering their admiration for Ghostpoet’s distinct style, which mixes nocturnal urban ideas with rock aspects into something unique that isn’t quite Hip-Hop. Obaro clearly felt privileged to be in the position he has created for himself and obviously had a lot of love for the musicians that surrounded him. The band of four were brilliant from beginning to end, notably the strong backing vocals that match those on the album, and the guitar solo on ‘That Ring Down the Drain Kind of Felling’, producing a sound that was equal me to speak and take pictures with his now truly buzzing fans. This really was a performance of the highest quality from an act that will be around for years to come.