Tom Odell was welcomed by an intimate crowd at Rough Trade, two days after the release of his exciting new studio album Best Day of My Life...
It was surprising to see the chart-topping singer take the Rough Trade’s humble stage for an in-store concert, performing a mix of his hits and freshly released tracks for a small-scale audience of about fifty fans.
Even after a forty-minute wait, the crowd erupted with loud cheers and a warm applause as the singer entered the stage, only to be met with complete silence as he sat behind the piano - it appeared as though the crowd was holding its breath in eager anticipation of hearing Tom Odell's distinctive, angelic voice.
The atmosphere was enthralling, with dimmed lights and a spotlight on Tom and his piano, you could see how every person in the room let Tom’s raw acoustic performance consume them, some even closing their eyes to allow the soulful melodies and heart wrenching lyrics to hit them more.
It appeared as though the crowd was holding its breath in eager anticipation of hearing Tom Odell's distinctive, angelic voice
His greatly adored hits like Another Love and Grow Old With Me got the crowd singing along, while Best Day of My Life and Smiling All the Way Back Home showcased some of his brilliant songwriting from his new album.
It was my first time seeing Tom Odell perform live and my already high expectations were exceeded even more, as I felt shivers running down my spine numerous times throughout his short set.
There’s something about Tom’s stage presence, pitch perfect husky vocals and hauntingly beautiful piano ballads that compel you and make you feel like you are truly witnessing something magical.
There’s something about Tom’s stage presence, pitch perfect husky vocals and hauntingly beautiful piano ballads that compel you and make you feel like you are truly witnessing something magical
His interaction with the audience between the songs was simple, informal and unprepared, just like he was talking to old friends - he was posing for fans’ BeReals and spoke humbly and adoringly about the songs on his new album.
Despite having another larger Nottingham concert just a few days later, Tom said that the Rough Trade one was ‘the one to be at’ since it was more intimate and allowed him to feel closer to the audience in the room.
As the final song finished, the fans who no doubt fell even more in love with Tom Odell’s music after the gig, formed a huge queue to get their freshly bought albums signed.
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