The O2 Academy in Edinburgh’s Western suburbs was packed out for masterful performances from local gal, Brooke Combe and Stockport indie popsters, Blossoms.
Growing up in Midlothian, Brooke Combe was raised on a diet of Motown and Whitney Houston and started playing trombone at primary school. In her teens she went on to learn another five instruments, and then, on her music teacher’s suggestion, took up vocals for her Advanced Higher in Music. The latter proved to be a sound decision and has helped put the 21-year-old artist on the path to stardom after her cover of Yes Sir, I Can Boogie, landed her a deal with Island Records last year.
She says that there are a lot of artists and bands that inspire her musically is endless, ut, the common theme throughout is soul.
With an impressive array of successes garnered in a very short period of time, from selling out King Tut’s and signing to Island Records to winning Best Female Breakthrough artists at the 2021 Scottish Music Awards, it’s mad to think that Combe’s journey is only really just beginning.
Combe struts onto the stage tonight with a pair of sunglasses perched on her nose and a positive attitude determined to give her hometown crowd a show to remember and that’s EXACTLY what she and her wonderful band did. Brooke’s a dominating front woman with a powerful soulful voice, she sings from the heart.
Her voice is one thing but her sassy swagger that could give a certain Mr Jagger a run for his money even in his prime! It was a treat to see her as she commanded the stage…HER STAGE for the next 30 minutes.
She introduced singles such as Impress You and Miss Me Now to the growing audience. With a simple arrangement of Combe on vocals and lead guitar, a rhythm guitarist, bassist and drummer, the venue was enveloped in her music. Powerful vocals, onstage dance moves are delivered with ease. She humbly thanks everyone for the support before capping a great night with crowd favourite Are You With Me? As she departs we’re left with a feeling that we might have just seen one of the UK’s next breakthrough artists.
Hello, we’re Blossoms and we’re from Stockport’ greets Tom…..and they are off and running,
Their stage setting was a delight, beautifully lit, catering for all members of the band to shine throughout the night as the band, touring to promote their fourth studio album, Ribbon Around The Bomb, the Stockport quintet immediately showed that they are so much more than their biggest hit, Charlemagne. Coming on to the stage, they bring an energy and enthusiasm that the crowd have come to expect and launch into the synth driven Your Girlfriend.
Honey Sweet got the crowd going before Oh No (I Think I’m In Love) showcased some killer vocals from front man Tom Ogden. New song Ode To NYC was exactly what it said on the tin – sights and sounds of a yellow taxi being driven through Manhattan, whilst The Sulking Poet saw a mix of great harmonies.
On the release of each album; the Blossoms have created a different sound which served to produce a real mash-up of a set list.
The heart of this band was undoubtedly the impressive Ogden who excelled throughout with his dreamy drawl floating easily over the sold out crowd in The O2. Having perfected their tight jaunty sound, low slung groovy bass and dance floor friendly songs, the band are extremely tight and get the crowd moving with their crisp, catchy melodies. Guitarist Josh Dewhurst seems at times to be in a world of his own, whilst Myles Kellock on keys sprinkled the magic that defines the band’s sound and Joe Donovan and Charlie Salt’s rhythm section was bold, sharp and effortlessly cool.
Ogden then takes a seat at the piano, and the band channel their inner Simon and Garfunkel with The Sulking Poet . All hand claps and harmonies.
Bolstered tonight by three extra members on guitar and percussion, the band are polished and as tight as ever. Finishing their main set with My Favourite Room. Blossoms have shown tonight how to really have fun which is always the sign of a great band.
What I especially liked, and hope to see more off, was the way they delivered the encore. No messing around with chant after chant as fans wait for the band to return for the final few tracks. Blossoms are one of the best live acts to come out of Manchester’s indie music scene, and tonight’s night’s sold-out show inn Edinburgh’s O2 Academy confirmed that this band are truly deserving the big stage.Â
Words and pictures: Stuart Stott