Photo: WENN.com
Its a fair indication of the popularity of an artist when multiple generations of the same family turn up to a gig. Nutini's music however has carved a niche for its throwback quality, as suitable for modern pop charts as for soul aficionados.
Coming to the stage with a fairly extensive selection of musicians, including a brass section, the man himself swaggers on stage with a self-assurance. And as the funky 'So Fine' kicks off the oozing charm and talent of Nutini is immediately obvious even if that's not as apparent from his scruffy appearance. His voice that's velvety that breaks up only to push the emotional sweet spots, Nutini holds a talent which is unnaturally brilliant.
While for most of the gig it’s Nutini's voice that takes centre stage. But the ballad-y 'Alloway Grove' plays as much to orchestration. ‘Let Me Down Easy’ offers a soulful re-imagining of the likes of Marvin Gaye but with a heavy, near hip hop beat, before 'Better Man'' the type of smooth number that has gifted Nutini a wide audience.
For better or for worse, Nutini has now had enough success where that he can take his sound in whatever direction he likes, and his influence of the moment - or at least for most of the tracks off his new album Caustic Love which dominate tonight - seems to be James Brown. As such there's a general undertone of 70s soul to the evening, with 'Numpty' among others sounding like a 70s cop show. A cover of Chvrches ‘Recover’ was perhaps better left to Coldplay but still arguably better than the original, before 'Growing Up Beside You' caps a quieter section of proceedings.
From here it all becomes a little incidental until the hits are rolled out and its here the night takes a disappointing turn. An synthy re-imagining of 'Pencil Full Of Lead' is lack-lustre compared to the usual upbeat swing style, while a Genesis-esque rendition of '10/10' misjudges the mood of the crowd. Perhaps the most obscure and upsetting is 'Jenny Don't Be Hasty' done in a 90s rock style followed by a mere electro excerpt of 'New Shoes'. Only a nearly there version of 'Candy' in the encore provides any type of redemption but after an hour and half its not nearly enough.
A gig following a new album is always difficult - the balance of old and new material is a tough balance to strike. In this case, though Nutini's talent is undoubted, his ability to chose a set list is questionable and the massacre of the favourites unforgivable. Nutini may be bored of playing the hits and trying to shake them up but when they provide the basis of your enigmatic sound, it feels self-defeating. A great performance otherwise, but still somewhat disappointing for those watching.
