Live Review
Jamie T, XFM Studios, London
24th September 2014
Welcome back Jamie.
“That’s a bit odd,” says Jamie Treays - more commonly known as Jamie T - referring to the glass window separating the audience from him and the rest of his band, as he begins playing to an intimate crowd of just 30 people at XFM’s London studios.
Jamie T's third album, 'Carry on the Grudge', his first since the 2009 release of 'Kings & Queens' is out on Monday, and much has been discussed of his five-year absence - Treays recently speaking about dealing with anxiety issues and questioning his abilities as a songwriter.
Tonight begins with 'Mary Lee', more folksy than those songs already shared from the new record, which is then followed by 'The Prophet', perhaps most reminiscent of the Jamie T that's well-known and well-loved. As he snarls the lyrics "I don't ask the questions / I don't write the rules", it feels as if the song picks up from where 'Calm Down Dearest' left off.
During the session Treays is asked about the reported 180 songs he has written during his time away and whether it was a tough choice to cut it down to just 12 for the album. “Well no not really, most of them were rubbish” he muses, giving a wry smile to the audience; the self depreciating and self doubt only adds to his likeability.
Then there’s a chance for some more reminiscing as he plays 'Salvador' from first album 'Panic Prevention'. It’s hard to believe it was seven years ago and those present have clearly missed hearing it live if the whooping is anything to go by. The brief session then ends with recent release 'Zombie', an infectious, upbeat track, more poppy than the other songs from 'Carry On The Grudge' and perhaps the most obvious choice as a single; it’s really only a glimpse at the brilliance of his return. Welcome back Jamie.
Photo: Victor Frankowski
Records, etc at
Jamie T - The Theory of Whatever (Vinyl LP - white)
Jamie T - The Theory of Whatever (Cd)
Jamie T - The Theory of Whatever (Vinyl LP - green)
Jamie T - Panic Prevention (Vinyl LP - black)
Read More
Sophie Ellis Bextor, Heartworms, Personal Trainer and more confirmed for Truck 2024
Jamie T, Wet Leg, and The Streets are set to headline this year's Oxfordshire knees up.
7th March 2024, 6:05pm
Jamie T, Snow Patrol, Holly Humberstone & more to play Y Not Festival 2024
Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, Kaiser Chiefs, Pale Waves and loads more will play the Derbyshire event this summer.
24th January 2024, 6:05pm
Bombay Bicycle Club, Paolo Nutini, Jamie T and more confirmed for Tramlines 2024
The likes of Holly Humberstone, Yard Act, and Sprints will also be joining the fun.
24th January 2024, 11:10am
Friends United: Willie J Healey and Jamie T
Ahead of the release of Willie's new album 'Bunny', we sat the pair down to reflect on where their friendship's taken them so far.
21st August 2023, 3:00pm
Featuring SOFT PLAY, Corinne Bailey Rae, 86TVs, English Teacher and more!