Bright Future for Rock Music
A review of Jake Bugg’s concert at the Guildhall on 17th July – written by radio presenter Ken Ebbens, The Flash (on DAB and theflashonair.co.uk), for Portsmouth Guildhall.
A sultry summery evening; shorts aplenty in a large crowd gathered to see the bright future of modern singer-songwriters and rock artists, two in one. The crowd spanned many generations. Jake Bugg is pleasingly in a different mould of singer-songwriters, remembering my influences in music but also pleased to move forward, finding new artists
I only had one song (Lightning Bolt) as a reference point so sat back, not quite knowing what to expect. With support artists they are usually hit and miss but when the headliner is also the support you are in excellent hands.
A stripped back stage, single spotlight, just him and his guitar, very atmospheric and very effective; Jake just came on stage and straight in with Strange Creatures, clear vocals and precise playing, 30 minutes, 9 songs mainly from his earlier albums, showcasing quite a unique voice, difficult to pigeon hole, echoes of Paolo Nutini for me. The audience were fully attentive (ignoring the obligatory natterers sadly at all shows these days). I was impressed by the vocals especially on Someone Told Me, a hauntingly beautiful song. Other songs included Slide, Waiting and All That. His stage chat was minimal but very friendly, swearing-free (a very pleasant change, ideal for pre-teens to experience) and seemed genuinely pleased with the audience response. Very impressive and enjoyable.
After the break Jake returned with drummer Jack Atherton and bassist Tom Robertson for the electric set, 90 minutes proving that rock will last for ever if the generations keep producing artists like Jake. Again, no frills, just straight in, a minimal set, the trio staying in their spot the whole set….let the music do the talking.
The drums and bass were clear in the mix both laying a great foundation for Jake’s (often) restrained guitar playing, a formidable trio. For a rock fan since 1972 the set was very satisfying both for my era and eras in between, no mean feat: indie rock with a 70s feel.
The songs were all short and snappy, no extended solos, almost punk-like in structure; Jake’s very easy-going style worked well, rehydrating a lot, it must have been baking on stage.
The audience willingly joined in on a number of songs (Seen It All, highlight 1, Broken air-phones and all that, Two Fingers, highlight 2, Lightning Bolt, Simple Pleasures and highlight 3, All I Need).
I thought this is how the Jam might have sounded in 2025 with for me nods also to Dr Feelgood, Oasis, Rolling Stones and Kasabian.
No encore as such but everyone highly satisfied with 27 songs in total, great value. Regular concert goers Tim and Sally from Portsmouth told me it was “excellent”, having seen him before, so who am I to disagree; thanks for the drink, Tim!
Highly recommended next time Jake Bugg is in the area.