Music > Live Reviews

Stormzy

The Nick Rayns LCR, UEA

14/04/17

Even a hardened cynic like myself can get excited on occasion. Alongside Ed Sheeran and Rag ‘n’ Bone Man Stormzy is as big as they come in terms of the 2017 U.K. music scene and he’s playing at the LCR, a venue that he has already massively outgrown. Excitement was in the air alright, especially given the audience was almost entirely teenagers and early 20s - almost.

After some auto tune selections from the DJ, we got 30 minutes with support act A2, an up and coming grime MC from...you guessed it, London. Considering how hyped the crowd were and how easily they could have been whipped into a frenzy I was a bit surprised by how low key A2 was - his style of music has more in common with Giggs, using a much slower flow, but midway through his set he played his single X2 (DBLE), which got a strong reaction and showed he’s a young artist with potential, and where better to hone that than supporting Stormzy.

Last time Stormzy played in Norwich it was at Open and after about 40 minutes the PA went down and the gig ended prematurely - defeat was snatched from the jaws of victory because up until that point he had been brilliant. Referencing that night several times he told us how this felt like his first proper visit to Norwich, and he attacked his set like he had a point to prove. WIth a simple set up and just a DJ for company Stormzy prowled across the stage and completely owned the show from start to finish. The entire dancefloor was a huge mosh pit, rarely have I seen a crowd more into a gig, singing along to every word of every song it was incredible to be a part of it. Still just 23 years old, his audience can easily relate to him even as he heads into superstar mode, and I hope he can keep his feet on the ground. There were no interviews for this tour and no photographers allowed which made me wary, but he came across as the same wide eyed kid he was two years ago.

I have to admit to being a little disappointed with the Gang SIgns & Prayers album, too many slow numbers for my liking and I really struggle with Blinded By Your Grace, but when he brings the stool out (no shit - the grime Val Doonican yo) to sing that song dammit if it doesn’t work really well live - a sea of mobile phones as the crowd sing about their love of God - weird, but like I say it works; the slower songs gave the show a nice change of pace. The only negative from last night was the sound mix - too quiet and lacked definition unfortunately. Considering the album has only been out for a short while, every song was greeted with the same level of enthusiasm, although tracks like Shut Up & Know Me From do elicit an even more rabid response.

A few meatheads aside the crowd were good natured (hi Russell & Annie), so good to see another generation earning their gig spurs at the LCR and what a great booking for that venue. I’m not sure when Stormzy will make it back to Norwich, but just like that ill-fated 2015 night this was another ‘I was there’ moment.