#michah shcnabel

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Support: Micah Schnabel, Jess Guise

Date: 08/03/20

I do have to confess, I was in the Photo Pit for a little of each of the artists set’s for this occasion so I do apologise in advance if I fangirl a little bit in this review. Also, I do apologise that this is coming late. I’ve had a bit of trouble finding the right way to do these reviews in an uncertain time in the world at the moment.

Straight off the bat, this was a soulful very toned down show from three distinct artists that did steal the show in their own lights. What’s more, I think being in this intimate a setting for such a large show as well shows how different artists are able to captivate the audience, even if it is in such a calm environment.

First up was Jess Guise, whom I didn’t know at the time but is, in fact, Frank Turner’s wife! In a few ways her musical styling is similar but on the other end of the spectrum of things, it couldn’t be more apart. On one hand, Jess is getting used to performing in front of the fans although, she’s definitely affirmed herself ing the songwriter category where her voice is one of the most defining things about her music aside from the production but everything was so clear when she was performing, you could see why she was there on the stage in terms of her unique attitude as well as her musical skills.

Jess Guise

Jess Guise

Jess Guise

Jess Guise

Jess Guise

Jess Guise

Jess Guise

Jess Guise

I think I do have to say Micah did remind myself of The Homeless Gospel Choir in terms of the DIY punk-y nature they both have about them, but the things that separate everyone tonight is he was so open about everything he talked about. He was funny, charming and above all, he had this calming quality which came across in his performance that just made you stop and listen to him. You don’t get too many artists such as Micah and it’s important that we listen to the DIY nature because of the lyrics. It’s because of the geographical gap in how he produces his music. He sings about things in the track below, ‘Jazz And Cinnamon Toast Crunch’ that I don’t believe you’d hear if an English artist were to write about and it’s his experiences which divide him among everyone on the lineup.

Micah Schnabel

Micah Schnabel

Micah Schnabel

Micah Schnabel

Micah Schnabel

Micah Schnabel

Micah Schnabel

Micah Schnabel

Lastly, we’ve moved onto Frank Turner, the main man of the night. This tour is in celebration of his latest record, ‘No Man’s Land’ which focuses on the life and stories of historical women. What’s so fantastic about seeing Frank perform is that you see him as a true artist. He’s not doing this performance to prove himself, you see him as playing the tracks so everyone has a chance to hear them and you hear it as if it’s being played for the first time when it’s tracks from the latest record such as ‘Jinny Bingham’s Ghost’, ‘The Lioness’ or more established track such as ‘Get Better’. It’s always as if you know where you’re meant to be when hearing these tracks and I hope Frank continues to alternate and play so many different tracks so people can feel the emotions and celebrate every track and show for many years.

Going into his setlists a little, he played roughly 22 tracks from his career on the evening so you definitely get your money’s worth at a Frank Turner show. But what he’s managed to perfect is how to keep it rising without letting the overall show peak close to midway through his setlist and it’s not just a collection of his best tracks, because there’s always the underrated gems, the heavy hitters and the occasional track that just makes you stand and think about everything there for the performance.

Frank Turner

Frank Turner

Frank Turner

Frank Turner

Frank Turner

Frank Turner

Frank Turner

Frank Turner

Frank Turner

Frank Turner

Frank Turner

Frank Turner

  Rating: 7.5/10

Live Review: Frank Turner @ Barbican, York Support: Micah Schnabel, Jess Guise Date: 08/03/20 I do have to confess, I was in the Photo Pit for a little of each of the artists set's for this occasion so I do apologise in advance if I fangirl a little bit in this review.