Music / Bristol Sounds
Review: Paolo Nutini, Lloyds Amphitheatre – ‘An honest act once again without pretension’
The much expected Bristol Sounds Festival returned this year after a two-years hiatus, welcoming back the brilliant Scottish singer-songwriter Paolo Nutini on its second night for what was to be a sensational comeback in our city.
Eight years have passed since Paolo Nutini’s last appearance at the Lloyds Amphitheater in 2014 and the excitement amid the crowd was obvious. The multi-award winning singer is the only top of the bill this year to sell out their show.
It was a hot cloudy night with a nice warm summer breeze on the Harbour, when Paolo Nutini’s support, the Scottish social media rising star, Brooke Combe, opened the night.
is needed now More than ever
Scottish singer-songwriter Brooke Coombes supported Paolo Nutini at this year’s Bristol Sounds – photo: Magdalena Zehetmayr
Brooke’s ascension began in lockdown thanks to her personal interpretations of well-known artists such as Arctic Monkeys, and blazed the stage of the amphitheatre, with a mix of covers and a few singles of her own.
The audience was still warming up, remaining relaxed but receptive to her velvety and soulful voice. She offered a pop, R&B performance with a noticeable soul influence.
Despite Brooke’s early beginnings, her stage presence was undeniable, impressing audiences with Miss Me Now and Are You With Me, clear from everyone’s clapping in unison.
Bristol may even see Brooke headlining such an event in a couple of years, with the whole crowd singing her songs by heart.
Paolo Nutini brought back his signature soulful voice at this year’s Bristol Sounds – photo: Magdalena Zehetmayr
The rain gently started to pour as Paolo Nutini entered the stage, adding a dramatic and deep sensation to his Led-Zeppelin-drenched introduction.
Such an entrance was a surprise but made sense after his latest releases, different from what his usual audience was accustomed to.
He performed new material such as Lose It, Shine A Light or Through The Echoes, bringing vintage rock to the crowd.
Nutini performed an honest act once again without pretension, with catchy and simple songs married with his cracked, sweet voice he is so renowned for.
When he started the famous hit Candy, you could see an ocean of phone screens capturing the moment. After all, people were rousing for crowd pleasers.
Such songs expose the Scottish Don Juan with more of a broken heart than a heartbreaker, arousing a genuine sympathy towards him and his stories.
The rainy night ended on a satisfying note and brought up a lot of joy in Bristol, left thrilled by Paolo Nutini’s reappearance on stage with a brand new energy.
Welcome back Paolo Nutini.
Main photo: Magdalena Zehetmayr
Read more: Review: Elton John, Ashton Gate – ‘Hit after Hit, but didn’t hit the heights’
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