Slow-singing Aussie, Chet Faker, delivered a superb, polished performance during his intimate set at Manchester’s Soup Kitchen.
The crowd itself, which included plenty of pretenders to Chet’s epic-beard-throne, were mesmerised and completely focused on the combination of uncannily smooth, and lackadaisical vocals coming from the front; accompanied, of course, by a mix of funky electronic samples.
Before Chet joked that only four hands had raised to admit buying his newest album, Built On Glass, you would never have guesses that was the case. People seemed to by dancing and singing along to both old and new songs, the rhythm of the place particularly beginning to sway during catchy, soulful new tracks such as 1998 and Blush.
His drawled, unhurried lyrics were scattered amid some house, dance, even trance-esque samples. One in particular, Rev, contained quotes from Clash of the Titans, whilst being supported by a neo-Robert Miles backing track, capturing the vibe of the crowd and venue perfectly.
Of course we were also treated to the tune that catapulted him into the limelight, that cover of Blackstreet’s No Diggity, and it was all smiles as people started to recognise the intro. It’s safe to say he certainly does the original some justice, with everyone in the place joining in chorus by the end.
The gig on the whole was a resounding success and as people tumbled out onto the streets outside, singing his lyrics, it was clear the people of Manchester had welcomed his sound and the cool vibe of this intimate performance. Chet was also good enough to linger outside to talk to attendees and take a bombardment of selfies with fans, the kind of modesty that suggests his growing successes aren’t quite getting to his head just yet.
