We checked out Finn Foxell's sold-out headline show at The Bodega...
With the alternative rap scene reaching the mainstream via the likes of Loyle Carner, Knucks and Lausse the Cat, West London’s Finn Foxell has been more the domain of those more invested in the underground culture itself. Curious about making music since his childhood, Foxell has been working alongside Lord Apex, XAV, Louis Culture and p-rallel with Elevation Meditation to cultivate a dedicated following who have grown with him - and his performance at The Bodega only goes to prove that making music is exactly what Foxell is meant to be doing.
Prefaced by 5EB and Casnova, by the time Foxell emerged out onto the hazily lit stage, the audience were already drenched in sweat and the air thick with the sickly sweet of vape smoke. But this didn’t stop them from matching the West Londoner’s infectious energy – it was impossible to resist his effortless swagger and classic British charm. Despite Nottingham making for the penultimate stop on his tour and barely 24 hours after a crazy-looking Bristol date, his presence was captivating and unrelenting throughout.
Opening with a breezy and laid-back jam, getting heads nodding, Finn welcomed the crowd with an easy optimism. EOTM followed, a dark and synth dappled track, melding cold and icy drum snaps through tight lyricism. With its steady and smoked out 808 thumping through the venue, Cool Bless Safe, one of Foxell’s most recognisable tracks, was eagerly received by the already swaying crowd.
His performance at The Bodega only goes to prove that making music is exactly what Foxell is meant to be doing
Constantly highlighting his musical dexterity, the young rapper guided the crowd through his various singles and EPs with a cool self-assurance. Starting out with, as he put it, ‘wholesome vibes’, the night eventually descending into a gloriously riotous circle pit. Although many fans are enticed by his blissed out ‘alternative rap’ cuts, delving further into his catalogue places him firmly in his own category. Despite his travels throughout the musical landscape, from more steady, mellow garage influence, via cool garage and even stopping off for some jazz which almost dips into salsa inspired, to the barely controlled chaos of massive guitars, his characteristic gruff and hazy tone and deeply thoughtful lyricism stamping each track as recognisably Finn Foxell.
As Ericcson drew to a close, the almost Oriental backing cut, leaving him a moment to prove that, alongside the stage presence, at his foundation, Finn Foxell is an impressive and acccomplished wordsmith. Now building on the growing energy of the crowd, Leaders’ forceful combination of bouncing guitar lines and lyrics crackling with political charge sent gig-goers tearing across the floor, mirroring Foxell’s own frenzied movement across the stage in front of them. Energy somehow ramped even higher with latest single and the tour’s namesake What’s Your Poison?, with its dark and fuzzy opening guitar tones building a frantic apprehension in the crowd.
Although an unreleased track, the catchy hook and bouncy chorus of Tyson Fury meant everyone picked up the lyrics quickly. As ‘I don’t wanna sit around and listen to the same talk’ was screamed, Foxell tore off his t-shirt and leaped towards the eagerly outstretched hands of the crowds, surfing as if a fan himself – he was simply here to enjoy the evening, and it made for an unforgettable experience. Throughout the half an hour odd of his set, Foxell held the crowd in the palm of his hand, never relenting in his energy. The show was an experience in itself, a guided journey through the rapper’s own world.
The show was an experience in itself, a guided journey through the rapper’s own world
Given the rate tickets sold out for The Bodega, and his upcoming slot at Dot to Dot festival, it is only a matter of time before he is headlining a venue like Rock City. With the amount of Uniqlo sling bags, Arcteryx jackets and parachute pants, it is clear that everyone here has an eye for picking up the next big thing before it emerged into the mainstream and managed to get the full Finn Foxell experience up close and personal in the intimacy of The Bodega.
We have a favour to ask
LeftLion is Nottingham’s meeting point for information about what’s going on in our city, from the established organisations to the grassroots. We want to keep what we do free to all to access, but increasingly we are relying on revenue from our readers to continue. Can you spare a few quid each month to support us?
