Live: Jordan Rakei @ O2 Academy Brixton
Credit: Michal Augustini
The insanely talented vocalist, songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist Jordan Rakei released his fifth studio album “What We Call Life” in September 2021 to a flood of plaudits from the likes of The Line of Best Fit, Popmatters, Wordplay Magazine: “essential modern listening”, “understated yet captivating style”, “destined to be a classic”, “a masterpiece”. The record was #1 in the "Official Record Store Chart Top 40”, #2 in the "Official Hip Hop and R&B Albums Chart Top 40” and #5 in the "Official Vinyl Albums Chart Top 40”. Playlisted and in heavy rotation at BBC 6M and Jazz FM, Jordan played his first live shows in 18 months at Cross The Tracks, Repercussions (WHP) and All Points East (guesting with Loyle Carner), did a whirlwind sold-out UK instore tour and a series of incredible live sessions at the legendary BBC Maida Vale studios for Mary Anne Hobbs (BBC 6M) and Jo Whiley (BBC R2), Worldwide FM x Paul Smith, Mahogany and is currently hosting the new series of Tearjerker on BBC Sounds.
Hot on the heels of his stunning collaboration with Bonobo – ‘Shadows’ – on his Ninja Tune labelmate’s new album “Fragments”, Jordan Rakei kicks off 2022 with the release of new single ‘Bruises’, the lead single from a 4-track digital EP of the same name released Friday 4th March 2022.
We had the pleasure of attending Jordan Rakei’s sold out O2 Academy Brixton Show.
The show kicked off with Ruti, Essex born songstress. She wowed the audience with stunning covers, unreleased tracks and songs from her debut EP ‘All At Once’. One of the unreleased tracks that was near the end of her set was emotional, raw and other-wordly. I sat there mouth open in disbelief as she glided from her chest voice to head voice in the chorus so effortlessly. At one point it was hard for me to hold back the tears as she stood on stage alone switching between guitars. She really held her own a true treasure and we know this is just the tip of the iceberg for her, can’t wait to see her excel into the stratosphere. If you missed her she is performing next at The Great Escape and is also supporting Mahalia on tour tickets are still available.
Credit: Emmanuel Lwanga
Main support was Olivia Dean we last saw her at our own stage in Norwich for Wild Paths Festival, so we already ready knew we were in for a treat. She was full of energy as she bounced onto the stage she was radiating and we all felt it too. The fact her drummer and bassist where singing BVs in some of the track I thought was rather impressive. I presume it requires some breath work to sing BVs and play drums so your voice doesn’t falter. Bass wise, I mean goodness you are playing a completely different melody to everyone else so to be able to sing whilst doing that is mind-blowing to me and these people are magic. The band was tight and matched her bouncing energy.
Credit: Cath Dupuy
I adored her rendition of Justin Timberlake’s ‘Señorita’ the nostalgic 90s baby in me heart was content. I felt a real connection when she mentioned ‘I don’t believe in the idea of another half, I believe I am whole by myself’ and thus followed by her track ‘Be My Own Boyfriend’. I feel there is a societal pressure on people to get into a relationship and pro-create to have a fulfilling life. Anything outside of this is deemed as strange or criticised whereas simply it’s just choosing a route that suits you and makes you happy. Any who I digress, we loved her performance and if you haven’t listened to her compilation ‘Olivia Dean If Yopu Know What I Mean’. I would definitely encourage you check it our. If you missed her live she will be performing at Cross The Tracks and Standon Calling tickets are still available.
Where do I even begin with Jordan Rakei so many stand out moments it’s difficult to only pick a few! The band were very talent switching between different eras of Jordan Rakei fascinating and intricate instrumental breakdowns and plenty of people dancing alone. Plenty of syncopated patterns and spellbinding rhythms as our ears filled with glee.
One of the stand out moments was the string section intro before the track ‘Speak’, it was powerful, I’m almost certain my heart skipped a beat. ‘Clouds’ also hearing the BVs so beautiful at the focal point on this song, I really love it when an artist gives the BVs a chance to shine. With them accompanied by the string elements it was magical a blessing on our ears. ‘Unguarded’ was an emotive performance and I expected nothing less given the meaning being the song.
Credit: Michal Augustini
Well excuse me?! ‘Bassline’ was so scrumptious he got the audience involved by getting us to do some clicks, making us believe this was the end of the track and possible would be a cappella with just our clicks left. I didn’t want it to end I clearly remember saying fackin ell when actually outro cropped up on us a pure jazzy delight, with a dash of gospel drums, I mean we weren’t ready. ‘Mind’s Eye’ got the crowd really going not sure how you can keep still when you hear this song and of course we got to sing-along, you could tell the audience loved this track.
I appreciated the fact he performed one of the songs he released under his alias Dan Kye called ‘Change’, it was a special rendition of the track.
When he bought out Loyle Carner the crowd went absolutely crazy, screaming and clapping! I was in seating and barely anyone was left sitting down it was a sight. He also bought out Alfa Mist, Tom Misch and Barney Artist to the stage at different times during the show. You could feel a real sense of camaraderie, when you win we all win and it felt beautiful to be a small part of.
I have been following his journey for a few years now and love that fact that he has come full circle with his EP ‘Franklin’s Room’ released September 26th 2013 with reggae elements to ‘Bruises’ released March 4th 2022 which also has reggae elements. This cross-genre wizard has us anticipating what we will hear next from him but for now we sure are fulfilled and waiting patiently. The breadth of Jordan’s work is breathtaking I implore you if you haven’t listened to him yet there’s no time like the present.
Credit: Fabrice Bourgelle
Be sure to follow Jordan Rakei for the latest. His music - including ‘Bruises’ and ‘What We Call Life’ available to stream now. Get your merch and tour dates too.
