albeit slightly biased.

Review I have written for Exposed Magazine.


Ed Sheeran

Where: Manchester Academy
When: 14/15th January 2012

With a triple platinum debut album under his belt and four
Brit Nominations, Ed Sheeran would be forgiven for being a tad bit smug as he
kicked off his third sold out UK and Ireland tour, touching down in Manchester
on January the 14/15th. But,
armed with only a loop station, a pair of suitably orange microphones and Nigel
(the second eldest in his family of guitars) Sheeran hypnotised his 2300 strong
audience into a gospel choir of sorts, recreating the intimate atmosphere I
only thought possible of his most intimate past gigs.

Sheeran’s music is just as eclectic as his fans, as hundreds
of screaming (somewhat frost-bitten) school girls dressed head to toe in paw
embellished Ed Sheeran merchandise, joined by an army of “lads”, hopped skipped
and jumped to the centre of the stage. Soon after the crowd was whipped into
frenzy by Irish free-styling comedic rappers Abandoman, Sheeran took to the
stage. Performing from his album plus (‘+’), Sheeran built up layer after
layer, providing an expansive sound for a solo performer, one which cannot be
contained or experienced fully in CD format. What was most impressive was the
versatility of the gig. His number one
single ‘The A-Team’ performed with up and coming rap artist Mikill Pane, added
an urban and grimy twist to proceedings. Whilst an a cappella cover of the 19th
century American folk song ‘The Wayfaring Stranger’ and an additional cover of
Nina Simone’s ‘Be My Husband’ left his audience in a sentimental trance. Audience participation has always played a
big part in any Sheeran set, and the extensive capacity certainly did not deter
the fiery red head from initiating a singsong as he wrapped up his set.

But do not let the façade of the high school drop out who
only signed to Atlantic Records just over a year ago fool you, Sheeran has been
circulating the British underground music scene since he was the tender age of
15. The professionalism of his stage show is a tribute to his ruthless hard
work, whilst the man behind the music is just as true and his songs.

BG