JAMIE T performs to a sold out crowd at the O2 Academy Brixton.

“The man of the people”, I think as I enter fully packed venue. It is his second out of three planned shows at the legendary O2 Academy Brixton. The supporting band is yet to be on and there are many people tightly squeezed in the first rows already. The atmosphere is undoubtedly opposed to what we’ve experienced in the cold wind outside.

Loud screams arise as the lights go down and Jamie Treays emerges on stage. After a while of swaggering from one side to the other the words In the square, I waited for you / Trick, trick… of the imposing opener, Power Over Men, taken from the released last month fourth studio album Trick, start to resonate throughout the room.

The singer-songwriter masterfully intertwines good oldies with his latest material. Tracks Operation and Pacemaker from his 2007’s eminent debut album Panic Prevention, land on top of the setlist whilst recent offerings such as the invigorating Tescoland and honest Solomon Eagle serve more upbeat vibes and uncover the fearless nature of the artist who has never strayed away from exposing the reality we live in.

The South Londoner is a genius when it comes to words. His well-crafted lyricism has certainly left a strong imprint on the minds of our generation, and that does not include only the young people as I watch a group of 50-year-olds jump around and sing along. Jamie T carefully and intentionally uses words making sure each one of them counts equally and impacts with the same vital force.

He is a storyteller. There’s no doubt about it. Through his songs the musician tells us stories about people and places, and by doing so he also reveals some truths about himself and ourselves too, even if we don’t realise it yet.

As much as his influences vary so does tonight’s choice of songs. “It’s good to be back here ladies and gentlemen!” – Treays announces and the crowd follows his lead as the first notes of the track Don’t You Find (Carry On The Grudge 2014) fill the room shortly after. The slower tempo confidently transforms into what this guy does best. A laid-back fusion of guitar-driven hip-hop which will never let anyone label his sound. The following If You Got The Money and “I’m gonna need your help for this one” 368 are the perfect examples. Not to mention the song Crossfire Love which is a masterpiece of the songwriting skills.

Tonight’s performance undoubtedly falls as an indelible experience for all devoted fans and the new ones respectively. Flickering lights and the display of images on the big screen create a great visuals while the crowd pleasers The Man’s Machine, Sheila and Rabbit Hole receive massive singalongs with a few drifting bodies and a few beer cups being flown above our heads.

Hard-hitting riffs of the first single off of Trick, Tinfoil Boy and evocative Sticks ‘n’ Stones finish off the main set. As the crowd shouts “Jamie! Jamie! Jamie!..” there is one more song to go.

Being joined by 5000 voices for a grand finale during the encore, Zombie, it becomes even clearer that having established his own musical style Jamie T has also established a firm position on music scene, as an artist and an individual who many are constantly looking up to.

“London you’ve been fucking wonderful!” the singer shouts and soon disappears from the stage.

The accompanying band added a big dose of contagious energy to the set but the unquestionable stand-out moment of the night made the track Sign Of The Times. Beautifully arranged with minimal set of lights, performed solo with dancing shadows emphasised what has already been said really. Jamie Treays is just a guy with a guitar and a story to tell. Only there are plenty of people eagerly waiting to hear it.

Photos: Kasia Osowiecka