When I saw Frank Ocean

On June 25th, 2013 Frank Ocean performed at the Brixton 02 Academy in London.

In my initial attempt to review Frank Ocean's performance I found myself rushed and unable to truly articulate what it had been like to see this incredibly talented and young performer live on stage.  As time past I thought to myself, why bother, it happened a week ago - who wants to know?  Almost exactly a month later, on July 26th, Ocean had no choice other than to cancel his Australian Tour, including 5 sold out shows, as well as his highly anticipated headlining set at Byron Bay music festival Splendour in the Grass, due to a torn vocal chord.

The official statement read:

"After last night's concert in Melbourne at Festival Hall, it was necessary to seek medical advice due to vocal issues Frank Ocean experienced during the show. It has subsequently been confirmed that Frank has suffered a small tear to one of his vocal cords and has received medical advice that he must rest his voice." 

 "This makes the completion of his remaining Australian dates impossible. Unfortunately due to Frank Ocean's tight tour schedule it is not possible to schedule replacement dates, however we will be working to confirm a return to Australia as soon as is practical."

And it is now I find myself reflecting on that first performance in Brixton.

Frank Ocean - Brixton 02 Academy London. source: clash music

Although the venue was dramatic, with an interior reminiscent of an old outdoor theatre, Ocean's stage was minimal and simplistic.  Each of Ocean's band members we dressed in dapper black tie suits, with Ocean in a casual, yet stylish, ensemble.  Basic stage lighting was matched with a large projection of various footage timed perfectly with the set list.  The majority of the video footage displayed was a car driving through the desert, and it just took you with it; lost in the music and Frank Ocean's voice and lyrics. 

Frank Ocean is no diva.  Whilst every song was performed flawlessly, Ocean himself seemed unable to fathom his own fame and the fans that have come to love him.  Clearly humbled, he was sweet, honest and almost shy when thanking the audience for coming out to see him.  Whilst there have been media that have shared the opinion that Ocean may require improvement in his on-stage presence and banter it was evident to me that the real fans weren't there for the celebrity; they were there for the music and the poetry and it was there that Ocean not only delivered, but excelled.

Although Ocean is frequently associated with RnB superstars such as JAY-Z, Kanye West and Beyonce, his sound is unique and he is bringing soul back to a generation that may have otherwise lost and never found this genre, or who may have never actively sort out something new.  Whilst his sexuality is often commented on hand in hand with discussions of his music, the highest liked comment on Ocean's Youtube page shares what most people are thinking, saying, "Fuck his sexuality, realy who the fuck cares he makes great music that's what it's all about"

I always new Frank Ocean was an amazing musician but seeing him perform his songs live allows you to experience his rawness and honesty in every word expressed and note sung.  Not only do you hear but you feel - you feel love, you feel struggle - heartbreak and realisation.  It was a different show to any I have seen before, but it was touching, unique and has stayed with me since.

I sincerely send my wishes and hope Frank Ocean gets well soon;  and I equally sincerely hope my Australian friends that missed out this time round, are fortunate enough to one day to experience this refreshing star's music in the flesh.

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www.frankocean.com

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Gig Review: The Beards (London)

The Beards

Everyone with an older sibling has the experience of their older brother or sister telling them about a 'cool' band that they should listening to.  "Not everyone knows them, but they're really good and they'll probably be really big one day!" OOoohh we say. tell us more!  I still remember when my sister told me about a cool band. "They only sing about beards!"

....

Um. Ok.  Cute! Catchy song, but surely it's just a joke, right?  Cut to a few years later (8 years to be exact) and I am on the other side of the world and find myself interning for the company that does London based PR for the very well known rock band known as The Beards.  I guess the joke's on me!

The Beards originally formed in 2005 "a dark time for the beards. It was a time when having a beard could mean unemployment, social isolation, and sometimes death. That’s when four defiant bearded men from South Australia decided enough was enough, and the beard revolution began."  The humour and catchy tunes produced by this passionate foursome has seen them score incredible exposure online via through social media and cheeky online videos as well as eventual airplay and a spot on Triple J's Hottest 100 for 2012.  Whilst some say The Beards are serious, and other's argue it's all an act, their's no denying that these fella's are set on bringing back beards and they sure can put on one hell of a show. 

On Monday the 20th of May I was lucky enough to score a pass to The Beards' London gig at the Hoxton Sqaure Bar and Kitchen.  If you've haven't heard of The Beards just yet, you clearly don't have one.  Hailing from Adelaide, South Australia The Beards are an incredibly talented and incredibly bearded foursome who write and perform rock-bluesy songs about their one and only passion of beards (and their loathe of those who don't have beards.)  Ever entainting with well known songs such as "If your dad doesn't have a beard,  you've got two mums" and "You should consider having sex with a bearded man," The Beards are showing no signs of slowing down any time soon.

At one point during the show, my (bearded) friend Jay observed The Beards' front man and turned to me and said "If he's pulling out a keytar solo in only the third song, you really do wonder what's going to come next!" What did come next were a kazoo, a saxophone solo, and songs that brought the house down, ballads that made lighters wave from side to side in the air, and many, many beard rubbing between men.  And it was perfect.

The thing about The Beards is that not only are their lyrics and characters hilarious, but their songs are an incredible mix of old-school blues and rock that is incredibly enjoyable to listen too.  Extremely talented gentleman, I am quite certain that this bearded group are in fact a group of bearded geniuses.

I could go on but I'm hesitant to as I believe this show is to be enjoyed in person.   All I can say is you are in for a treat - a good audience, great music and performers that will have you smiling right into the next day; and the whole 'beard thing'? - it doesn't get old.  The Beards have well and truly mastered their craft and I was so thrilled to see them have the reception they deserved in Hoxton, London.

For more information on The Beards and any upcoming tour dates, check out their blog, facebook or twitter.

The Beards at Hoxton Square, London.