More on: Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly.

Date: 30/01/07
Rating:

Sam Duckworth finally has the key to the door. Tonight at the Astoria, in front of 1000 people, this talented youngster turned 21 in front of our very eyes, and put on a blinder of a show as a birthday celebration.

Sam not only took the opportunity to promote his current album 'Chronicles of a Bohemian Teenager' and forthcoming single 'I Spy', but also to educate the crowd on issues dear to his heart, such as the plight of underpaid workers in Africa and an update on the current ceasefire in Northern Ireland. If anyone says that a person this young can’t have the weight of the world on their shoulders, they evidently have never listened to Southend's premier singer-songwriter.

Support acts Metronomy and Walter Schrifels succeeded in creating a fervent atmosphere, ready to take on young Duckworth as he bounded out onto stage, greeted by birthday well-wishers. Metronomy's electronic-synth stylings easily give Klaxons a run for their money - their synchronised robot routines and fluorescent t-shirts creating a rave in the underbelly of Tottenham Court Road's premier gig venue.

American singer-songwriter Walter Schrifels spun us his life story in a set made up of songs both insightful and, at times, comical. 'Other Side of the World' depicted his recent travels to China, whilst 'Bicycle Song' illustrated the traumatising experience of having his sole mode of transport stolen, the joy of having it returned and the agony of having it stolen yet again. Haven't Americans heard of padlocks?

Main act Duckworth bounded out into the spotlight with unbridled enthusiasm to be greeted with chants of 'Happy Birthday', as well as being presented with balloons and a gigantic card at the end of the set. Highlights included past singles 'Call Me Ishmael' and 'War of the Worlds', which brought the set to a close with a dazzling spectacle of purple stagelights and mirrorball reflections. Earlier act Walter Schrifels unexpectedly returned in the set to perform a duet; Sam paying homage to the American's influence in moulding his musical career.

As we left, we each cordially ignored the rows of £5 t-shirts sold outside on the pavement, as Sam's pleas to steer clear of these 'tacky rip-offs' and instead buy fair-trade merchandise resonated in our heads. It just goes to show that all it takes to change the mentality of 1000 people is a young man with a guitar, a stage and a few captivating melodies.

Wendy Davies

Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly. Official Site
Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly. Myspace