Saint Raymond headlining Rock City - Photo via Facebook
Saint Raymond, the nineteen-year-old lad otherwise known as Callum Burrows, has been on one hell of a journey over the past couple of years, starting with performing on the BBC Introducing stage at Leeds and Reading festival in 2013. Since then he’s supported Haim on their UK and Ireland tour, released the Young Blood EP reaching number four on the iTunes album chart, performed a live session for Zane Lowe on Radio One, and more recently supported Ed Sheeran on his sell-out tour in the UK and Europe. He released a third EP named Ghosts late 2014. Through all of this madness, he’s decided to go on his own UK tour, which included returning to Nottingham to perform at Rock City’s main room.
The four-piece Brighton based Fickle Friends got the already busy Rock City buzzing with their new-wave pop music filling the room creating an awesome atmosphere from the moment they stood on the stage. Their catchy tunes sounding even better performed live with all members of the band clearly enjoying themselves setting the night up perfectly.
From Nottingham, Amber Run followed, their tight sounding rock songs keeping the crowd excited and jumping around, especially with their constant interaction with everyone in Rock City. However, they didn’t let anyone forget the main musician they were there to see, with the hyping up of Saint Raymond creating even more anticipation for the headline act.
There was a tingling sense of eagerness running throughout Rock City as Amber Run finished and the wait for Saint Raymond began. An incredible light show was to set the stage ready for his presence, and a simple drum, bass and guitar beat to match with the lights had the crowd going wild, ready to sing along and jump around yet again. As he strode on to the stage the roof seemed to fly off from the release of anticipation and excitement.
With a mix of old, current songs and new songs the set list had something for everyone, whether they were already huge fans of the Nottingham-based singer and or new listeners of his music. With an awesome light show behind him and some great musicians to help his songs come to life, he occasionally softened the night with solo acoustic tracks that proved how much talent and stage presence he has. On top of that, the overwhelming feeling of performing to a sold out crowd in Rock City stayed on his face throughout the whole gig.
Reappearing for the encore, starting with a couple of solo acoustic tracks followed by a further selection of songs including the one used in Fifa, Wild Heart. Saint Raymond is set to release his debut album in May, and after the incredible performances and tracks heard on his sold-out tour, it’s certainly going to be greatly anticipated.
Saint Raymond, Amber Run and Fickle Friends played at Rock City on Wednesday 11 February 2015.
Saint Raymond website
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