Jockstrap live at the Barbican in London review by Ryan Beardsley
I’m a big believer that music can grow on you. There are countless records that I didn’t ‘get’ the first time around that eventually became favourites but on the other hand, there’s nothing more exciting to me than hearing a band or a record for the first time and instantly getting it. Enter Jockstrap.
As soon as I heard I Love You Jennifer B I was blown away by the inventiveness, bravery and sheer bravado of the record, here were two ludicrously talented individuals who had been allowed to do whatever the hell they wanted and proceeded to knock it out of the park.
So as I enjoy the spacious seating of the Barbican and wait patiently with my cup of tea (look I’ve been really sick ok? It’s a bloody miracle I made the show at all) it occurs to me that perhaps I’ve set my expectations a little too high and that converting a sound as avant-garde as Jennifer B to a live setting might be beyond the youthful performers.
I was wrong. As someone who sees more gigs than is healthy, I can confidently say this was the best live music show performed in London this year.
From the moment Georgia Ellery opened her mouth and uttered the first verse of Neon, I think the Barbican collectively held its breath for what might be a world record attempt. Superlatives can scarcely do justice to her vocal performance. Her range; juxtaposed between ethereal fragility and defiant sexiness (is that a word and am I allowed to say it?) made this a genuinely unforgettable experience.
But this is not one woman show, and sat with little fanfare, surrounded by two grand pianos, a keyboard a synthesiser is the unassuming figure of Taylor Skye. Doing the hard and less showy work he is a true conductor, driving the band, including an orchestral string set to outdo themselves on each composition, none more so than title track Jennifer B.
The setlist is such a diverse range of styles, that it showcases the full breadth of talent on stage, another highlight is ‘What’s It All About’ a stripped-back acoustic number that once again emphasises the depth of Ellery’s voice as well as her versatility as a performer.
There’s a tender moment where Skye reveals how special this show is for the pair as they met at the Barbican, doubtless as part of some kind of public school outing, usually, I’d scoff at this being a class warrior with a chip on my shoulder, but they’re just so damn good I don’t care.
Set highlight comes in the shape of 2022’s best song Concrete Over Water. A song so original and inventive that it would have been worthy of inclusion on Kid A and Jockstrap do it justice here and then some, epic is too small a word.
Honestly, I was completely blown away by this show. Jockstrap are undoubtedly the most exciting band in the country and whatever they do and wherever they go next, you’d be foolish not to follow.
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