On Friday night, local soul and RnB singer Kymberley Kennedy stopped by The Crescent on her home-coming date of her current Head Games tour. Joining her in the all-York line-up were Grinny Granddad and Laura Kindelan.Review and photos by Graeme Smith

Teenage singer-songwriter Laura Kindelan took the stage first. She was joined by her backing band for this special date, with Tim Downie on bass, Joey Leyland on drums and Charlie Daykin on keys. Laura got the audience up on their feet with a set of self-penned number and covers. Pacy I’ve Been Thinking, taken from her EP, was an early highlight, alongside her closer Everybody Says a cover of local act and friends According to Eve.

Up next were trio Grinny Granddad, who set out to get the crowd dancing with a funky set. Their backing tracks and use of samples was akin to Gruff Rhys or Mr Scruff but with more soul. Lead singer Alanna was captivating and set highlights included Trumpet Woman, a song about Billie Holiday, and Green Apple, which brought a healthy dose of wah-wah to proceedings.

Then Kymberley and her band took to the stage. This was their latest date promoting Head Games, Kymberley’s debut LP, so as expected the set included plenty of tracks off the album including the sultry Make Me Wanna and the driving rhythm of If Only. Next single Pacify was a standout number, with an electronic backing track and groovy beat.

There were songs from the back catalogue too. Kymberley confessed that Hit and Run was one of the band’s favourites and it was easy to see why, enjoyably catchy with a reggae beat.

The final moment of the night went to previous single All I Wanted, which Kymberley belted out with the strength in her voice which sets her apart. With an album under her belt, it can’t be long before Kymberley Kennedy is making national playlists everywhere.

Laura Kindelan, Grinny Granddad and Kymberley Kennedy played at The Crescent on Friday 5 August 2016.