Photo: Press
There's a saying, 'Always expect the unexpected.' And there's another saying, 'Never judge a book by its cover.' After watching UK rising talent Rag'n'Bone Man at London's Village Underground this week, there's absolutely no question that these sayings have never been more fitting to a situation.
Following a performance from Louis Mattrs and a DJ set from Cadenza, the dimly lit room packed full of fans eagerly awaiting the headlining act was overcome with a buzz of chatter. Fans were literally cooing at the thought of Rag'n'Bone Man touching the stage. With a roar of cheers that made its way to the back of the venue like a Mexican wave, this signalled to those who weren't right at the front that the man they'd come to see had appeared.
Rocking his trademark big beard and checkered shirt with the sleeves rolled up exposing his various tattoos, Rag'n'Bone Man could so easily have been mistaken for the lead singer of a metal band who had got lost on his way to Download Festival. But no, he was in the right place. Backed by his band, from the very first note strummed on his song 'Wolves' it was obvious this was going to be a special performance.
Singing with a deep south blues feel to his voice, if you had never heard of Rag'n'Bone Man before then there's no question you'd be surprised at how he sounds in comparison to how he looks - it's almost as if he was made in a lab with the DNA of Bubba Sparxxx, Adele and John Legend. Another thing you'd be surprised to learn is that he is in fact a Londoner and not American - it wasn't until after his second song ('No Mother') that he opened his mouth to greet the audience with a thick and unmistakable London accent yet his singing voice is quite the opposite.
Admitting to having a bit of a bad day but telling the excited crowd that they had made him feel much better, one fan screamed out, 'I love you!' To which he replied, 'I love you too but don't tell my missus.' A little shy but ultimately charming - that is until he sings, and it's at this point his barbaric confidence takes over - Rag'n'Bone Man had the crowd eating out of the palm of his hand for the entire set.
There's a distinct loyalty between him and his fans. It felt like family, like early J. Cole and Logic shows. Gifting that loyalty by debuting a couple of new songs, it was still fan favourites such as 'Bitter End' and 'Hell Yeah' that garnered the biggest response.
In what can only be described as a powerful set from one of the UK's most promising new artists, Rag'n'Bone Man is anything but unoriginal. Put it this way, if you've never seen, heard or felt his music before then it's imperative you get involved immediately. If you were already aware of him and his music but weren't at the show then you know exactly what you missed out on.
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