Whether it serves as an emotional outlet, a source of inspiration, or merely an enjoyable pastime, music means something different to everyone.
The greatest songs aren’t necessarily the most technically correct; they are the ones that make us think and feel, ones that we make a connection with.
Tonight the Corner Hotel plays host to UK singer-songwriter Tom Odell who, during what would seem like a meteoric rise in the music industry, has managed to achieve that sought-after connection with his audience.
Revisiting Melbourne and Sydney for headline shows to promote his album Long Way Down, as well as slots at Falls Festival and Southbound, the English gent is sure to remind Aussie music lovers why he is the recipient of the 2013 Critics’ Choice Brit Award.
Paving the way is Melbournian opener Hayden Calnin. The self-professed happy guy treats early arrivals to a short four-song set, performing a tantalising tasting plate of progressive, melancholic folk songs– a contrast to his happy persona.
Standing to the side of the stage, the young, talented singer-songwriter performs well received numbers including ‘For My Help’ and ‘Not Good For Me’, showcasing his hauntingly beautiful voice and penchant for electric guitar reverb and looping vocals.
Up next is Hunter Valley indie-roots musician Melody Pool accompanied by a cellist and violinist – musicians she had never met before today.
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Despite this last-minute partnership, Pool brings to the table honest, moving storytelling and vulnerable vocals. The set includes penned originals ‘Open Book’, ‘Lion On The Loose’, and ‘Royal Queen (Mary)’, a song inspired by a Downton Abbey episode.
Without preamble, Odell sits centre stage at his piano and delves right into his album’s sweet opener ‘Grow Old With Me’ to a cheering crowd.
Not one for banter between songs, Odell then moves quickly into the slower, building number ‘Can’t Pretend’.
When he does speak to welcome the filled venue, the singer appears to be a quietly confident and affable guy, with just a smidgeon of an edge hiding below the surface.
The predominantly female crowd is hanging on his every word and, by the way his eyes gleam and a small smirk escapes his lips from time to time, he knows it.
The blonde 23-year-old West Essex native is genetically blessed with angelic good looks, heart-on-the-sleeve songwriting ability, a unique emotive voice akin to Jeff Buckley, and a piano playing prowess that could, in the coming years, give Coldplay’s Chris Martin a run for his money.
Odell performs with an energy and passion that adds to his arsenal of onstage charm. The evening smoothly traverses between emotionally raw offerings such as ‘Sense’ and ‘I Know’ to good, old-fashioned fun tunes, especially during his impassioned Beatles cover of ‘Oh! Darling’ and the band’s insane jam midway through the show.
Appreciative cheers arise for crowd favourites ‘Another Love’ and ‘Hold Me’, the latter inciting an all-in singalong.
A voice upfront asks Odell to take his shirt off, to which he repeatedly declines with good humour. The performer even dedicates the song ‘Till I Lost’ to his very vocal supporter.
Fans are treated to a three-song encore. Odell gets sweatier as he belts out grittier numbers ‘See If I Care’ and ‘Cruel’, as well as a cover of the Muddy Water’s song ‘I Just Want To Make Love To You’. The rendition is complete with a swagger, one that most 23-year-old lads could only dream of possessing.
Yes, Odell’s music could be gifted to your granny, your mum, or your younger sister – but that doesn’t mean he is a product of the manufactured pop music machine.
The singer-songwriter’s live show proves his potential and ability to go beyond the success he has already received to achieve much, much more.
The truth is: music affects each one of us differently, so check him out for yourself and come to your own conclusion. You may just be pleasantly surprised.
