Ben Howard graces Newcastle’s Riverside with his spirited Devonshire folk-pop

Surf-kid by day, singer-songwriter by night, Ben Howard confirmed at his recent Newcastle gig that he has captured the musical hearts of Britain. Due to illness, he was not his usual talkative self on stage, yet this far from threatened the audience engagement he strived for and successfully achieved. Confident enough to rely on his evident talent for infectious hooks and instrumental improvisation, he appeared an unpretentious figure, instantly endearing and likeable. Irresistibly rhythmic finger-picking and wavering female harmonies washed over the welcoming crowd as they hungrily surged closer.

Hailing from Totnes, South Devon, Howard’s parents had a strong influence over his musical development, the soundtrack to his childhood consisting of the legendary likes of Bob Dylan and Joni Mitchell. Currently signed to Communion and Island Records (the latter due to its history with Nick Drake and John Martyn), his debut album Every Kingdom was released in October to widespread acclaim.

Howard’s humble reverence for natural beauty resonates from tracks brimming with imagery of water, wildflowers and, of course, wolves. His melodic vocals are, however, often caramelised with an illusive cheeriness. Addressing much deeper, darker themes than a first listen may suggest, "The Fear" and "Black Flies" both address the painful experience of losing someone you love.

Yet Howard’s lyrics do not merely weep melancholic doom and despair. Just as the unassuming 23-year old risked losing the full attention of those feeling a little dampened, his ability to sense a crowd’s reaction triggered a shift towards the upbeat and positive. Latest single "Keep Your Head Up", an optimistic anthem of self-empowerment, saw the eager Newcastle fans snap back freshly focused on the performance.

Closing an atmospherically charged set with the evocative "The Wolves", Howard bid goodnight to a rammed Riverside venue already excitedly anticipating his return next February.

Ben Howard plays "Keep Your Head Up" by the sea, naturally.

Originally published by Palatinate: http://www.palatinate.org.uk/?p=16860