Newton Faulkner/Emily and The Woods

The Old Fire Station, Bournemouth

A dreary and somewhat depressing hue had been thrown over Bournemouth over recent days. Facing the wet weather did not appear to be an issue for tonight’s gig goers. The old fire station in Bournemouth has been home to some amazing shows recently, my favourite being Frank Turner last year. Comparatively, both shows were sold out. Newton seems to have ducked off of the radar in recent times, not releasing any material since 2009.

But with new material on the way and guitar in hand, tonight was going to be good. I’ve seen Newton play on multiple occasions before, in a variety of venues from our very own O2 Academy in Boscombe, to the Avalon Stage at Glastonbury Festival, to a forty capacity show. Each having its own charm and leaving me walking away with a smile on my face. This show would be no different. Unfortunately a late finish at uni meant I missed the opening support, many apologies, and only a snippet of the main support, Emily and the woods. Her words were soft and her lyrics clever, she seemed timid and quiet underneath the bright lights, but at the same time humble and collected, she seemed very at home on stage. Her music was well received, the audience quiet and attentive throughout her set, something many more accomplished artists struggle to achieve. I would very much like to see this talented young lady perform again in the near future.

It was a strange sensation to see the fire station so full. So full in fact that I couldn’t make full use of the photography pass I had acquired. I literally couldn’t get to the photo pit in time. In a bid to get the best photos I wrestled forward with my huge kit bag and equipped myself with the 85mm lens. Newton kicked off his set with new and old songs a like,charismatic and charming as ever, the new material is fresh and exciting. With the new EP on its way, it made sense for him to be promoting the new songs, something the audience seemed somewhat underwhelmed by, however despite the songs being unfamiliar Faulkner still managed to provide 3 way harmony sing-alongs. Newton manages to turn a show no matter how big or small into what feels like a campfire sing-a-long. Making his shows such a personal experience.

Newton Faulkner 01–02

His performance includes the usual antics of dancing (UFO) and sing-a-longs make it a show not to be missed. We were even treated, In a typical newton faulkner fashion, to a very odd choice of a cover, I’ve previously seen, “Bohemian Rhapsody”, “Spongebob”, “No Diggity”, and an impromptu reggae breakdown of Wham’s “Wake Me up Before You Go Go”. This time we got some of my all time favourite 50cent along with a quick rendition of “On My Way” by Rusted Root during some tech difficulties. Proving that despite his shows having a familiar format they are kept fresh and entertaining. Newton remains humble throughout his career, such an endearing quality to be found in anyone that has had success like he has. I can’t wait to see what he comes up with next time, and leave you with his latest single out in the summer.