Sporting a fresh new trim, Alfie Templeman returns to Leeds on the Mellow Moon tour, supporting the album that dropped at the end of May on Chess Club Records. Last time I saw Alfie headline a show was in the Brudenell in Leeds, and the energy, the infectious dynamism already demonstrated extraordinary potential.
There was a level of excitement in that previous performance that still suggested that he couldn’t believe he was on a stage in front of that many people. This time around, you can see a maturing artist, ever more at ease on stage and in the position he’s earned. The band – long term collaborators Jos Shepherd (guitar), Cam Owden (bass) and Adam Philip (drums) – are tighter than ever, delivering the funk and jazz inspired rhythms that characterise much of Templeman’s work.
The typically genre-shifting set features this sharp rhythm section on tracks like Wait, I Lied and Things I Thought Were Mine. Sonically, Leaving Today was probably the stand out of the night – it had a darker, jazzy vibe, a super clean mix, clarity on the drums, a rich sample through the back and some soaring guitars. A proper piece of work, delivered with the confidence of a band that’s going from strength to strength.
Lest this get too heavy though, there were plenty of the lighter, pop-filled moments that have earned a ton of airplay for Templeman lately. The crowd erupted for hits like Everybody’s Gonna Love Somebody, 3D Feelings and in particular Colour Me Blue, perhaps the highlight of his radio friendly output so far.
It’s these songs that pick up the atmosphere each time. They’re the numbers that get hands in the air, dancing and singing along. It’s enough to keep the predominantly late-teen, early 20’s audience at their peak throughout.
This tour represents another great step forward in the Templeman story. Two headline tours this year, a hectic and successful festival season sets the scene nicely for whatever direction Alfie will move in next.
Set List:
A Western
You’re A Liar
Obvious Guy
Things I Thought Were Mine
Eyes Wide Shut
Stop Thinking (About Me)
Colour Me Blue
Film Scene Daydream
Everybody’s Gonna Love Somebody
Leaving Today
Shady
Circles
Wait, I Lied
3D Feelings
Movies
+++++
Yellow Flowers
Broken
Happiness In Liquid Form
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