In the smoky and sultry upstairs performance space of Belgrave, Isaac Gracie charmed Leeds on Thursday night with a truly delightful set. Beginning with support from the equally talented WILDES, otherwise known as Ella Walker, the show was off to an excellent start. In an act which can only be described as a hybrid between Daughter, Laura Marling and The XX, WILDES was enchanting and captivating in equal measure. The performance of her latest single ‘Ghost’ was a particular high point. The track not only presented Walker’s howling vocals at their finest, but demonstrated WILDES’ emanating elegance and style.

Following on in a similar style, Gracie and the band sauntered onto stage surrounding by an air of effortless, yet gritty, sophistication. Dressed in an oversized checkerboard shirt and black skinny jeans, Gracie’s fashion is in perfect congruence with both the aesthetics and sound of his music. The deliciously acoustic treats offered up by the band were occasionally interrupted by slightly more rocky numbers. Although the Nick Cave-esque track ‘The Death of You & I’ did appear slightly out of place amongst the slower, more melancholic setlist, it provided a moment of fun from the more intense tracks. Another highlight was Gracie’s performance of ‘Silhouettes of You’ as the song appeared to beautifully resonate throughout the venue; it was a moment of true musical perfection.

The show was, in its whole, a spiritual cleansing that delicately explored the nuances of indie acoustics. Isaac Gracie entices his audiences with his down-to-earth flirtation with haunting guitars chords and tales of romantic anguish.

Ellie Montgomery

Photo Credit: diymag.com