Known for his vulnerable storytelling, his fusion of spoken word, alternative hip hop and even indie rock sound sets him miles apart from most artists. Naturally this meant that we weren’t in for a normal show, but more about to have a beautifully chaotic therapy session. Joined by his insanely talented live band, The Lovemakers, the performance they put on was entirely unique.
However to warm up the crowd we were first introduced to singer-songwriter, Ben Kidson. With only a short amount of time to win over the crowd, they welcomed him with open arms. Playing a mixture of released and unreleased tracks, he had the room engaged with every note. His alternative pop sound, produced by him, was filled with distorted guitars and electronic elements. Covering ‘Torn’ by Natalie Imbruglia really allowed us to hear his vocals and showcase his talent.
Writing songs about the effects of going through a breakup, wanting people to get their karma and dating apps, they were deeply relatable for the majority of the crowd as people cheered for each one. His personality shone alongside his music, even in the brief moments of talking to the crowd and engaging them.
As everyone began to get even closer to the front, it was almost time for Hobo Johnson to take the stage. The room was packed from wall to wall, with fans standing shoulder to shoulder radiating with adrenaline, they were getting restless. Johnson comes running on to ‘Mover Awayer’ after everyone chants his name and they scream the whole thing together. From the very start his performance was theatrical, perfectly in sync with the nervous, rambling delivery that defines most of his music. Each song felt like a journal entry - completely raw and emotional. Enabling the chance for fans to get everything off their chests, it was a cathartic experience, with comedy implemented at just the right times.
The show was mostly compiled of songs from his first two albums (‘The Rise of Hobo Johnson’ and 'The Fall of Hobo Johnson’) and his most recent album, released back in May, ‘HOBO JOHNSON DRINKS!’ He seemed genuinely in awe watching everyone recite his words back to him, regardless of whether it was his most popular or not, he was constantly thanking the crowd and looked like he was having the time of his life despite the deeper meaning behind his lyrics.
For ‘Creve Coeur 1’, Johnson plays the keyboard himself instead of darting around the stage this time. It softens the energy slightly as it explores a complicated relationship with a girl who struggles with love due to her parents' experience. It’s quite a heartbreaking song, particularly the chorus, written as though from the girl's perspective, “You’re much too late, much too late”, implying there’s nothing left that anyone can do to change her outlook on love. He introduces the next song as his favourite off of the new album - ‘FLOOD THE EARTH AGAIN’, which navigates the death of his father. Possibly the most vulnerable song of the night, with both anger and sadness coming through his voice, it was a powerful moment and one that hit heavy. Following shortly after was ‘Dar#$%’ , about an ex-girlfriend who’s name is censored. This was the perfect time for the crowd to unleash any heartbreak they’d gone through themselves, with screams so loud it was like they were trying to drown out their own memories.
Not long after everyone in the room began to bark, something that had been happening in between a few songs, but this time much louder. The crowd knew it was time for ‘I Want A Dog’ and they were definitely growing impatient waiting for it. It starts off light but beneath the humour of simply wanting a dog, is the reflection upon how impossible Johnson’s desires have become. They’re no longer as simple and throughout the chorus he has to remind himself of that, with the repetition of “No, I just want a dog”, desperate to try and ground himself.
As the last song is being introduced, a girl sitting on top of someone's shoulders is noticed, and the guy beneath begins to jump and boost her further into the air, even doing a 360 spin which captivates the audience for a moment, all stunned at his strength. The instantly recognisable guitar riff from ‘Peach Scone’ begins and suddenly everyones back in the moment. The line “I love the thought of being with you, or maybe it’s the thought of not being so alone”, had to be one of the loudest of the night, with true passion and energy behind it.
Of course no show is complete without an encore, ‘Typical Story’ ends our night, and for one final time everyone on stage goes wild, with water flying everywhere and lights flashing. The chaos of the crowd leaves them sweaty and stunned once the song's over but now with an unforgettable experience - exactly how a Hobo Johnson gig should end.
Emma Turner
Images: Emma Turner
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