Jamie T At Camden Electric Ballroom Review

WRITTEN FOR THE DAY JOB LAST WEEK...
Not many artists crowd-surf during their opening track- but at his London comeback gig Jamie T was quick to clamber on top of the devoted audience.
A rowdy show from the start, by the second song MTV was covered in beer, and by the Wimbledon boy’s sixth track there was a fight breaking out at the bar.

Up onstage JT and his Pacemakers debuted new tracks from his forthcoming second album Kings And Queens and ran through the finest moments of debut Panic Prevention.

New song Spider’s Web features ukulele and rhymes Intifada, Robert Palmer and er, pyjamas and yet somehow still doesn’t sound forced, while the killer chorus reminded us of The Clash’s pop moments.

On 368 there were echoing 80s style guitars and a rapid Beastie Boys-a-like rap, coupled with a gently sung hook, and while new single Sticks N’ Stones loses some of its breakbeat clarity live it still showcases the solo star’s knack for writing choruses - boasting two so good they put a lot of indie bands to shame. (WATCH THE VIDEO HERE)

Salavador and If You Got The Money now sound anthemic but still unexpected- thanks to Jamie’s twisting stream of consciousness lyrics. Panic Prevention highlight Ike And Tina is given a punk revamp while set closer Sheila is just perfect pop.

It was hard not to smile when Kappa tracksuited Jamie played Calm Down Dearest, prompting the previously testosterone heavy crowd to suddenly start hugging. And If you’re heading down to Glastonbury this weekend the returning Mr T is certainly worth chucking a beer and having a cuddle to.

Jamie T- Sticks 'N' Stones

This is one of the best singles of the year so far in my humble opinion. A bastard cousin of Ike & Tina from Jamie's debut Panic Prevention. It's out June 28 and hopefully bodes well for his second album.



"When there's no one left to fight/ boys like him don't shine so bright/ soon as I see the dust settle/ he's out on the town trying to find trouble."