As the country goes to the polls, Nizlopi are here in Wakefield for the first time to play their mix of hip hop soul folk to a grateful crowd. The Leamington Spa duo are back after a split in 2010 after touring extensively in the 2000's, but in late 2011 got back together as Nizlopi, and are on two tours this year, this solo 'Get Radical' tour, and a split tour with Moulettes in November around the country. Live shows are where Nizlopi excelÂ… their impromptu sets, playing in the centre of the crowd and encouraging crowd participation are loved by all who see them, even the shy ones!
Tonight is no exception, as they start unplugged in the crowd (once singer/guitarist Luke Concannon has removed his shoes and socks) and John Parker controls the double bass whilst providing human beatbox on top. The crowd are seated around, loving the intimacy of these highly talented musicians. Luke seems to channel something through his entire body and produce amazing soulful vocals, whilst John's double rhythm and bass line are incredible to hear. It really is powerful music from just two people.
The set fittingly starts with 'Start Beginning' from the 2008 album 'Make It Happen'. 'Extraordinary', the shorter 2006 EP is featured with 'Helen'. Luke asks what people are hoping for tomorrow. There's a shout for Greens, and another for fish and chips. The crowd are an open and friendly one, I have seen the band a few times in the previous decade and some crowds take a while to warm up, let alone join in singing, but this set of folks took no time at all. From the group of diehard fans who sing every word to the older lady dancing throughout.
The emotions vary throughout the evening, from the witty banter by the crowd "Pie shop!" (we must come across as a load of hungry folks) to a truly heart wrenching new song about Luke's recently passed Gran called 'I Wanna Be Free'. You can feel the heartbreak in his voice, and I can see a young lady crying next to me as I start to well up during this unplugged song. To get this much from a guitar, double bass and two men is something.
There's other new songs like 'Around The World' which the crowd help to sing, and are very tuneful with it too. I missed the support act but the band joined the duo onstage to help with a few songs, as did the harmonica player during another unplugged song, where John was on guitar and Luke picked up a hand drum.
'JCB' goes out to Luke's mum who helped them to release the album 'Half These Songs Are About You', and gets a huge singalong along with 'England Uprise'. The set finishes with 'All My Life', and the crowd love it. It may be a shorter set than usual, but it's quality not quantity! I can't wait for November.
FUTURE GIGS
sorry, we currently have no gigs listed for this act.