Arriving at the Ace
Hotel in Shoreditch, there was already a brewing essence of pretentiousness
about the evening – walking around the foyer to try and find the bar (the venue
for the show), I encountered a lobby-based DJ, a cash machine with a minimum withdrawal
amount of £300 and an apologetic woman turning punters away from tonight’s sold
out “guestlist only” (it wasn’t) show. Prior to Field Day at the weekend, the
set-up included a delightful, easy-listening yet artistic set by My Sad
Captains; before the one man DIY project that is West Londoner Niall Galvin
(a.k.a. Only Real).
Previously being compared to the
likes of Jamie T and King Krule, Only Real whittles out half-rap half-90s
alternative which is centred around sun-soaked, distorted guitars. Sharp
lyrics, childish behaviour and reverberating melodies were on show as he ran
through the likes of ‘Blood Carpet’ (after a well saved “technical difficulty” during
the Beavis and Butthead based intro) and glowing new single ‘Cadillac Girl’,
which seems slightly slower live but has a lot more punch. Niall’s conceited presence
made for divisive viewing, but it’s hard to criticise something that glimmers
with such enthusiasm and energy. The juvenile bravado is, however, well
contradicted by Niall and his band’s ability to almost perfectly execute their
sound – highlights included ‘Punks And Potions’ and ‘Jerk’, a song which is
from Only Real’s debut album expected to be released early next year.
Instead of converting his
relatively small experience into a lamentable piece of work, he’d rather keep a
fresh, naïve outlook at his shows – this approach seems to draw a mixed
audience, split between those who enjoy the recorded work and are inquisitive
about his live show and whether he has got what it takes, and those who share
his laidback approach and are there for the kicks (in this case, a large number
of girls who wouldn’t look out of place on the set of Made In Chelsea). Notable
attendees included Only Real’s mates Childhood, one half of RIzzle Kicks, Mikill
Pane and DJ Premier. Despite the mixed response, ‘Cinnamon Toast’ ended the
show by bringing everyone together in a synchronously energetic sway and dance.
If you’re attending Field Day
and are looking to enjoy a short laidback set to absorb the summer vibes, look
no further than Only Real – he plays on Saturday at 14:30 on the Shacklewell
Arms stage.
Only Real played:
(Intro)
Blood Carpet
Punks And Potions
Beastie
Backseat Kissers
Jerk
Get It On
Cadillac Girl
Cinnamon Toast
Written by Richard Maver
Written by Richard Maver