The Wardrobe in Leeds may not be the biggest venue, but what it lacks in size it makes up for with its intimate charm. Opening act Oliver Pinder set the mood for the evening with his impressive acoustic sound. Accompanied by his guitar and a piano he sang songs ‘Bruise’ and ‘The River’, which showcased his capable song writing ability. At just sixteen years old he has the confidence and stage presence needed to draw in an audience and they showed their appreciation at the end of his set with woops and applause.

Then came the main act. Benjamin Francis Leftwich is the kind of artist that can silence a bustling room full of excited fans with one chord. Taking to the stage armed only with an acoustic guitar he immediately had the crowd entranced. His opening song ‘Tilikum’ led the way for what was to be a captivating and relaxing set.

His new album ‘After the Rain’ has a new depth to it and before playing ‘Kicking Roses’ he admitted it was the most self-reflective song he had ever written. His lyrics are so poignant and poetic they paint pictures and you’re taken on a magical journey throughout the set. During ‘Frozen Moor’ Leftwich stepped away from the microphone and serenaded the mesmerised crowd totally acoustically. To successfully perform such a simple, bare, stripped back show it requires real talent, of which Leftwich has plenty. Crowd pleasers ‘Maps’, ‘Atlas Hands’ and ‘Box of Stones’ all featured along with some newer songs, making it hard to choose a favourite from the set. Leftwich graciously thanked the fans for listening at the end and you get the impression he is a man who truly loves what he does. His humble stage presence and quiet confidence only add to his appeal.

It’s wasn’t an energetic set, and it certainly wasn’t a rowdy gig, but the audience were blessed instead with a soothing hour of dreamy vocals and gorgeous melodies.

Hannah Mason

Image: [Taddlr]