As the weekend approached, it was time for yet another sold out show at Aberdeen’s Krakatoa. Cam Cole was bringing his one-man band extravaganza on tour. Starting from humble beginnings 7/8 years ago busking on the streets of London, Cam has honed his craft, built up a following and brought his show on the road.
Those who were at the venue in good time were treated to an audio explosion of modern psych blue rock in the form of Bristol’s The Dead Reds. Citing this as their first ever visit to Aberdeen and Scotland, the rockers were certainly given the warmest of welcomes by the Aberdonian crowd.
The combination of shredding solos on flute, harmonica and lead guitar gave those in attendance no option but to pay attention. Lead singer Beth Lee also gave a soulful performance with powerful vocals and a strong connection to the music. Stand out track was latest single Empire which will appear on their upcoming album release which can be pre-ordered here. Hopefully this will be the first of many visits for them north of the border.
Cam Cole’s live show set up looked like something from a circus. Adorned in a purple Sgt Pepper’s jacket and a hat similar to Dick Dastardly in Wacky Races – according to Cam’s google research this is what a successful performer wears – Cam arrived on stage to an eruption of applause.
Most live shows consist of a band just playing their way through a set of songs. However, there was was a whole stage set in play here. Street lamps, a spiralling ‘wheel of death’ and not forgetting the crowd favourite, a bubble machine. Cam Cole continued the evening of blues/rock, managing to conquer a whole band sound as a solo performer. No backing tracks, no loops, just him and some added percussion from his stage assistant ’The Owl’.
The most impressive feat of the evening was the set up of his foot drum kit, demonstrating a wide range of sounds of kick drum, snare, tambourine, cow bell and more. The set itself was a marvel but his ability to have the coordination to play to such a level whilst maintaining the intricacy of blues guitar and vocals was outstanding. Newer tracks Ur So Beautiful and Rabbit (She’s What I Want) were received well but it was closing track F### You Motherf##### that had the venue in full bounce.
When the set came to an end Cam announced ‘You’ve given me your time, now let me give me yours’ before revealing he would be found at the merch desk immediately after his performance for any photos, signings, whatever the audience wanted. A humble guy with all the time in the world for those who support him.
His documentary American Mileage is available to watch on Prime and he can be found touring the UK and Ireland over the rest of March and April.