Concorde 2, 8th November 2009
Amiable adverbs such as just in the context of an artist’s name would probably not enthral many muso’s. But the abundance of Jack Allsopps’ aficionados congregated in the Concorde 2 deemed my hypothesis wrong. Allsopp, a.k.a. ‘Just Jack’, was back in Brighton to affirm his stature as the ayatollah of the ‘urban poetic movement’; a faction of popular music characterised and substantially dominated by artists like The Streets, Lily Allen and Jamie T. Eight months on from his previous appearance, however, the north London songster was to convey a stage swagger resplendent with individual and musical maturity, divesting himself of the generic pop star image he was formerly affiliated to.
With variant vivacious screams protruding from clustered groups of girls, Allsopp made his presence amid his former single writer’s block. Immediately, the rapturous rhythmic expression and tenacity of the instrumental-backing quartet resounded around the venue, juxtaposing the mediocre monotonous feel of the studio recorded version. As the set progressed, a combination of 80s style synthesizer and flamboyant funk guitar in Doctor Doctor elucidated Allsopp’s effort of diversity from his latest album All Night Cinema, whilst an embellished Glory Days and No Time exemplified his past persona. The commingling of old and new was succeeded by humorous interludes, which generated an intimate ambience between artist and audience; bolstering the impact of the more cordial compositions like ‘Blood’.
And it was this shifting of temperament that Allsopp managed so smoothly. From the sentimental emotional outcry of The Day I Died, to the boisterous jocular jumping of Stars in Their Eyes, the crowd continued showing support. Their connection to his commentary on ordinary life may be the motive behind this, and/or just the captivating harmonies created between Allsopp and his female-vocal accomplice.
After an epic encore comprising of Disco Friends and Goth at a Disco, remarking Allsopp as just was totally out of the question. The 34-year-old protruded a passion to perform, and possesses a song writing talent unexpected from a university graduate in furniture design. With three albums under his belt, I am intrigued to discover what the citified crooner can conjure-up next…
Words by Laurence Woollard
Photography by Rosy Johnson
myspace.com/justjackuk
What did you think of the gig?
Becky: 10/10 “I just loved it, it was amazing. Just Jack is such a great act.”
Katy: 10/10 “Thought ‘The Day I Die’ was amazing. I love that song.”
Grace: 10/10 “Brilliant. The song ‘Stars in their Eyes’ is a legend of a tune”
Jessica (left): 8/10 “Just Jack was really good but thought he should have interacted with the crowd more.”
Elizabeth (right): 8/10 “Yeah me too. He should have touched us, we were the screaming twins.”
Sophie: 10/10 “A million out of ten. Just fantastic.”
Helen Rosewell: 10/10 “It was absolutely awesome. This is the third time I have seen him. Just fabulous!”
