Photo: iTunes Festival, London 2014
David Gray takes to the stage a little late, undermining the theatrical iTunes countdown clock, and greets London with a warm hello. Never one for the bright lights of showbiz, he also happily plays for over two hours – beyond the allocated time slot – determined to showcase his work and worth beyond White Ladder’s millennial success.
It’s fitting then that a track from new album Mutineers should kick things off. Backed by a full band (including cellist Caroline Dale), 'Birds Of The High Arctic' grows defiantly loud, Gray jumping out from behind the piano to deliver a rousing mid-section. It’s almost rockstar. This optimistic feel continues with the up-tempo 'Back in the World', underscoring the sense of renewal and go-gettedness; needed for a man who’s produced 10 albums in a hard grafted journey from bedroom production and burger joint gigs to topping charts and, more recently, living out the aftermath.
After rattling through a smattering of the latest material, including 'Beautiful Agony', the jacket comes off for a stripped back, yet drivingly soulful rendition of 'My Oh My' - the first reveal of the commercially familiar tunes. As things reduce to a drumbeat, the crowd clap David into an impassioned frenzy, and a beaming smile. But the highlight of the set belongs to 'Nemesis', the most overtly personal balled of the night.
The bare melodic build stretches out, backed by the cello; "let's leave this party tonight and walk up Haverstock Hill" says Gray, eyes shut in memory - shimmering star lights basking the Roundhouse in heavenly white. When the guitar’s fade back in, Gray bobs around stage; his voice raspy in climax. The audience, even those only there for the hits, cheer in appreciation.
As the set carries on, some revellers grow restless, especially when Gray’s promise to “go back to the beginning” only results in early number 'Shine', a fan favourite, rather than 'This Year’s Lov'e. Yet for those who stay the course, the classics, such as 'Please Forgive Me' and 'Babylon', get extended plays. But you know all about those, tonight revealed another side to David. And it was far from grey.
