By Kate Missenden
Newton Faulkner enters in stocking feet, with trademark dreadlocks and a mug of tea, to stand on an ornate rug.
Singing, using synthesised foot pedals, and hitting and playing the guitar all at the same time, you could be easily forgiven for doubting that so many noises could be produced by one person simultaneously. So, to give his music ‘transparency’, through some songs he has a camera focused on his feet. Or, when having some backing is necessary, he has a pre-recorded singing/piping self projected onto a screen. And then there’s Won’t Let Go, when he relishes the oft-overlooked potential of the cassette.
He is utterly incapable of moving from one song to the next without some form of delay; whether it be a quirky comment about what he’s just played, giving the audience a taster of material he’s working on, or simply mucking around. For example at one point he decided to give a bit of an operatic version of his song Over and Out. Throughout he just gives the impression that the audience are all good mates, and he genuinely cares that they’re enjoying themselves.
Newton Faulkner is prolifically talented with a clear love for music, giving him an incredible, yet entirely understated, stage presence.
If you’re looking to mosh, don’t bother. But if you want to witness the charm and skill of one of the most creative artists around, get a ticket now for his tour next March.