Kicking off his sold out tour in Dublin’s Academy last night, fresh-faced singer-songwriter George Ezra was in high spirits. Having recently exploded onto the scene with his critically acclaimed debut album Wanted on Voyage, and with a fifth place spot on the BBC’s Sound of 2014, it’s not been a bad year for the 21 year old Hertford native.
With a voice that sounds older than it’s owner, the influences of Bob Dylan and Woody Guthrie are evident in Ezra’s gravelly folk-blues vocals. Alternating between a backing band and holding the stage alone, he works his way through ‘Leaving It Up To You’, ‘Barcelona’ and fan favourite ‘Budapest’.
‘Cassy O’, a stomping, up-tempo, relentless track that combines Ezra’s country and blues influences, along with his laid back banter with the crowd, goes down a storm.
After a brief stage departure, he returns with his version of Cyndi Lauper’s ‘Girls Just Wanna Have Fun’, a cover definitely worth checking out if you haven’t heard it yet.
‘Did You Hear The Rain’, offering dark, seductive vocals and a heavy-guitar growl is the perfect show closer - and as the unassuming artist thanks the screaming crowd, judging by the smile on his face everyone had an equally good time.