Next up was the stunning Lissie who really was the surprise of the night. Out walks a freckled and petite blonde who looks like she would blow away in a strong gust of wind. As soon as she starts singing though, you get blown away by the power in her voice. A lovely southern accent plays over songs full of heartache and passion. Her songs are extremely catchy and full of dreamy imagery; country rock superbly executed and reminiscent of Bif Naked and The Sundays. I had to get a copy of the EP and have had 'Wedding Bells' on repeat since.
Joshua Radin enters to shouts of "I love you" and the girls around me are getting giggly and fidgety. Looking at his face it is easy to see why; he is extremely easy on the eyes and has a John Mayer look about him. Not only has he been blessed with model looks he also boasts a beautiful voice which is gorgeously soulful. At several points he steps away from the microphone and still manages to fill the room with his effervescent tones.
He is extremely funny and throughout his set chats to the audience like mates down at the local pub. His natural charisma shines through and so you can forgive him for constantly mentioning his ex-girlfriend. For a couple of his new songs he gets the audience to participate. Normally I am not a fan of these types of songs but on this occasion, with lyrics as evocative as his, you feel like you are a part of something special and it's a touching moment. The atmosphere at the Brudenell is always great and tonight is no exception. When you have the whole crown signing and clapping along, bonded together in a moment of musical bliss it is quite magical.
Good looks and humour aside, Joshua Radin has some great songs with tender lyrics and an accessibility that is easy to relate to. You get the sense that he is at his most truthful and sensitive when he is writing. A romantic and sentimental side contrasts with his confident and funny stage presence. He is joined on stage for quite a few of his songs by The Staves, sometimes all three and at others just one. For one duet, a glorious love song it reminds me of Johnny Cash and June Carter with a guitar solo that is Johnny B Goode good.
Anyone who watches Scrubs will already be familiar with his sound as he has featured heavily on the sound track. He saves the best track 'Closer' for last, although you get glimpses of it in the preceding songs. Joshua Radin has a great collection of songs, almost exclusively about love, full of poetic and potent imagery. Dreamy melodies and evocative drums dance along a light rock outline with a country backdrop.
