Saint Raymond at The Duchess

On Tuesday, three young British musical talents graced the stage of The Duchess to present an exciting and joyous gig. This included the mesmerising Shannon Saunders, Louis Berry and indie solo act, Saint Raymond.

By Michael Patrick McGleenan

 

Opening was Shannon Saunders, a Swindon born singer-songwriter with all the attributes to become a true success in the music industry. Her opening songs drew the growing crowd in with her mesmeric vocals, and her electronic beats were reminiscent of artists such as Chet Faker and Flume. Her style and substance kept the audience transfixed throughout, with closing song and new single Back Around a testament to her potential as a cool, credible artist. Definitely an act to keep an eye on in the coming years.

Next up was a man of many genres: Louis Berry. He swung between old-time American blues, mellow acoustic, and all out rock. He tore through 25 Reasons with relentless energy, before sliding seamlessly into the perfectly crafted acoustic melody Restless, with a front-man persona fit for any stage. Closing his memorable set was the singleRebel, Berry’s self-proclaimed ode to his home town of Liverpool, and certainly a song worthy of adding to the city’s already rich musical history.

Saint Raymond (real name Callum Burrows) was greeted with audible excitement from the crowd, beginning with the unanimously familiar guitar and vocal harmonies of Letting Go and Everything She Wants. This was only the third night of his headline tour of the UK after supporting acts such as Haim and Ed Sheeran across Europe, and it was easy to see how success is beginning to circulate Burrows at the tender age of 20.

The versatility of Burrows talents were shown in his interpretation of Major Lazer’s Lean On, bringing his recognisable blend of guitar and melody to a wholly different musical style. Particular highlights of the set included indie-pop perfection in Wild Heart and the crowd’s undivided attention for solely Burrows and his guitar during the beautiful As We Are Now, both examples of Saint Raymond’s recognisable brand of melody and lyrical craftsmanship.

 

Burrows drew his set to a close with latest single Come Back To You, followed by an encore demanded from the crowd. It was obliged by Burrows for perhaps his best known song; Fall At Your Feet.

 

Shannon Saunders, Louis Berry and Saint Raymond played at The Duchess on Tuesday 17 November 2015