It is safe to say that the past six months could not have gone better for Rag'n'Bone Man, real name Rory Graham. With two BRIT Awards, a top five single and a number one album under his belt, it's safe to say that the Brighton singer is one of the best and most watched new acts in British music right now. Only, he's not as new as he seems. Before 'Human' launched him into the global spotlight, Graham spent years in the underground hip hop scene in Sussex.
There is something warming about Rag'n'Bone Man. Taking moments to explain the stories behind many of the songs on his set list, he keeps a friendly rap-ore with the audience throughout. It feels as intimate as a theatre show can. "This is my favourite song on the album", a woman yells during the opening chords of ballad 'Odetta'. It is a common occurrence throughout Graham's set. At times he has to compose himself, struggling through joyous laughter. This is a crowd happy to share their awe and enjoyment; an interesting reaction to a singer, who by self-admission, has mostly miserable songs.
Strolling nonchalantly onto the stage to an uproar of applause, it is clear that this is an audience ready to eat from the palm of his hand. Opener 'St. James' gets straight to the point, before crowd-favourite 'Wolves' sets the evening going. His voice is undeniable. The emotion in every word echoes through the room. It may be his vocal ability that has sold out two nights at Shepherd's Bush Empire, but that hasn't stopped the singer and his five piece band from putting on a show. While his sound sit sweetly somewhere in the realm of soul/gospel/blues, Graham's experience in the hip-hop world brings a gritty flavour to his sound. Rap verses in 'Ego' and 'The Fire' transition effortlessly to the songs' booming soul-tingling choruses.
As expected it is his hit single 'Human' and newest offering 'Skin' that cause the biggest reaction. The latter perhaps even more so, igniting an intense response usually reserved for the space before an encore. There is no denying that Rory Graham is a singer to be reckoned with. Standing alone on stage to belt out acapella track 'Die Easy', the sentiments of the audience are offered again. A "fucking hell" sums it up, an entire audience watching, mouth agape.
Despite just one album to his name, a back catalogue of EPs help to make up the 18 song set list. What could be seen as ambitious for some, feels expected for a singer of this caliber. It is clear that this is somebody who has been in the game for a long time. Small nods of acknowledgement towards co-writers and producers and even a former record label prelude several of the songs. Not only does Rory Graham have the talent, but a humbleness to match. Set to perform at Glastonbury later this year and currently making his mark on music charts all over the world, 2017 might just belong to Rag'n'Bone Man.
