Newton Faulkner performs at the Wardrobe in Leeds

There is a moment during “Smoked Ice Cream” where both sides of the venue are singing and clapping along and it almost feels like the last fifteen months have just been a bad dream. Yes, people are wearing masks. Yes, people are seated and, yes, this is still far from being a fully packed out venue. Aside from all of that, it feels really, really good to be doing this again.

In spite of this being the first live show he has played in over a year, Newton Faulkner shows absolute zero signs of road rust. In fact, for all his joking about trying to remember how to play most of the set, this is a pretty flawless performance from a man who, pre-lockdown, has spent his entire life getting this live thing down to a fine art. For the lucky hundred or so fans seated around the intimate surroundings of the Wardrobe in Leeds, this is a special night on so many levels and it shows. The atmosphere is absolutely electric and the interaction between the crowd and Faulkner is emotional.

Getting the chance to spend an evening with the folk singer is something you should never turn down given the opportunity and, alongside favourites like “I Took It Out On You”, “Fingertips”, and “Dream Catch Me”, Faulkner treats these diehard fans to snippets from his new album “Interference Of Light” due later this year. Peppering the rest of the set with new songs, Faulkner talks about his experiences recording the new album remotely. Despite all the challenges though, Faulkner has a massive smile on his face throughout the set much like the beaming faces around the room.

Throughout “People Should Smile More”, one scan around the room shows people embracing, singing along, clapping, having the time of their lives. It was like the good old days. Judging by a heartfelt speech from the folk favourite before he exits stage right, we’re not the only ones who felt every moment of this hugely significant night for live music fans.

Newton has also released ‘Together’ the first single form his new album Interference (Of Light), which will be out on 20 August, you can order the album here https://linktr.ee/NewtonFaulkner