Gig Report: Newton Faulkner

Date: Saturday 24 November, 2007, 9pm
Venue: Manchester Academy 2
Face value: £11.00(ish) + booking fee
Support Act: no idea, but she was a dead (vocal) ringer for Alanis Morrisette
Gig buddy: Phil

I've got a lot of catching up to do on this blog, and where better to start than Newton Faulkner who we saw at Manchester's Academy 2 on the 24th of last month. As indicated by the inflated ticket prices available on the internet (some going for 6 times the face value we paid!) and dates for a new tour already out, the venue was heaving. We managed to squeeze ourselves forward to the half way mark to hear Newton delighting the crowd with a percussive whacking of his guitar, rendering any backing support redundant. It's clear that this guy is seriously good. Every song delivered flawlessly and interspersed with endearing interaction with the crowd - he seems to be a genuinely nice person. What's captivating further is his voice - strong and clear, it's amazing and compliments his songs perfectly. Couple that with compelling guitar techniques (some sections of his work seem to involve only the neck of the guitar) and you have a gig not to be missed.

Unfortunately the venue was a bit too small and overcrowded... I began to feel nauseus and had to exit the room a couple of times for fresh air. I don't have a set list for this one, though highlights were definitely 'Dream Catch Me' and 'U.F.O' - and my personal favourite 'She's Got Time'.

Overall: This gig could not fail to please - I implore you to see him at least once.
Rating: 4 guitars