[Live Review] ANDY BULL

Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle
Friday 12 September 2014 :

When Andy Bull walks on stage, there’s an instant energetic reaction from the crowd. He gives them a cute wave, like they’ve all been friends for years. They’ve come to Newcastle’s Cambridge Hotel to see their mate play his combination of pop enthusiasm and indie inspiration. He tests the limits of his voice in the first song before sliding into ‘Baby I Am Nobody Now’ which sees the crowd cheer and Bull’s pianist teach Newcastle how to dance.

There are few artists as upbeat and versatile as Bull. Touring his new album Sea of Approval, Bull easily integrates a number of old favourites like ‘Dog’ amongst his new tracks to remind the crowd of his fast growth over the past year. And they respond well, singing along to the well known song created by Bull featuring Lisa Mitchell in 2010. Given Lisa Mitchell couldn’t make it to the Cambo on the night, there were plenty of females in the large audience taking care of the back-up vocals.

Bull’s set was opened by New Navy, a Triple J Unearthed darling group from Ulladulla and the crowd responded well to their hit song ‘Zimbabwe’ and new track ‘Rosaline’. The five-piece has an easy sound, with an ever so slight island vibe, putting emphasis on impactful lyrics. Their use of percussion makes for a great sound and a fun show to watch. And yes, there’s a hint of Two Door Cinema Club to their set.

Before he starts to wrap up his set, Andy Bull plays his popular Triple J Like A Version cover of ‘Everybody Wants To Rule The World’, and one of his newer tracks ‘Talk Too Much’. Bull gives good stage banter, and the crowd love him for it. His final message to the crowd before departure is “You’ve been a real fucking joy.” Aw, shucks – thanks, Andy!

And just when you think it’s over, it’s not. Bull comes back for an uncharacteristic encore with ‘Keep on Running’, giving the crowd an extra three minutes and 45 seconds of awkward dancing time.

Reviewer: Abbey Wright
Photographer: Melissa Wilson

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