I’m glad that Australian performer, Xavier Rudd, was the first gig that I’ve been to since returning to the UK. I became a big fan of his when I first witnessed his amazing one man band antics at Splendour in the Grass. You just have to have some respect for a guy that manages to strum a guitar or sitar, whilst alternating between several didgeridoos, beating a set of drums with his feet and occasionally sweeping his hand over a bunch of chimes and do so in a way that makes some stunning sounds. It’s obvious that over the years, Rudd’s music has evolved and developed. Time Out described his style now as much darker and edgier, whilst I would argue that he’s a lot more heavily influenced by heavier rock than the blues and roots style I’d describe his first acclaimed album as.

Although not being a very tall chap, Rudd still managed a respectable presence on stage on Thursday at Kentish Town’s The Forum, with only a few arm waves enough to calm or energise the audience depending on his whims. With this tour being centred around his new album, it became evident that he played a lot of his newer music as the audience only sang along to maybe two songs all up. I was right down the front and it was evident everyone still appreciated the passion and the amount of his own energy he put into the performance. Obviously being composed of many other Australian people, the crowd was easy going, all around friendly and polite despite how hot it got down the front.

It was a great way to break up the week, and indulge in some great easy going music in a nice and airy venue.

TheKua.Com Rating: 7 out of 10