Musician plays intimate warm-up shows ahead of the announcement of his sophomore album, Wake Up Now.

We are in for a treat on this Monday night as there’s no better way to kick off your week than an evening filled with great music.

It’s been three years since his outstanding Mercury Prize nominated debut album, First Mind, and it’s about time Nick Mulvey graces us with some new offerings. As he was gearing up for a busy summer schedule, artist played trio of intimate warm-up shows last week. After making appearances in Oxford and Bristol, Nick Mulvey took to the stage at Village Underground to face his London fans.

Having created the grandiose ambience from the very beginning, Nick Mulvey gradually and effortlessly enchants all the gathered here tonight. The deep beat hailing from the intro alongside darkness covering the room sets up the mood instantly. It is not long until the familiar figure appears onstage and cheers arise to welcome the truly missed musician.

As tonight’s show is a perfect opportunity to introduce the audience to his new material, Nick Mulvey opens with fresh tracks Remembering and Unconditional. Both fascinate just as delicately as all of his previous musical endeavours. The strumming guitar patterns we fell for in the first place strike again, wrapped around rhythmic aesthetics he balances with certain precision so lightly.

The reception is warm as fans are eager to hear more of Nick’s new stuff. “Thank you! How are you feeling? I might need your help with this one”, he says as the soothing melodies of Meet Me There follow, which alongside Juramidam take it back to the sounds of his debut.

While In Your Hands magnifies with a sparkly guitar intro, Transform Your Game surely sets all the hips into motion. As swaying takes over the crowd, the round-shaped lighting backdrop dazzles with flashing sequences.

“We’ve been throwing some new songs at you tonight. I am proud of these songs and the record as well. I can’t wait till you know all the words. We’ve recorded them together so they’re coming out of the source”, Nick says acknowledging the significant essence of his band, which naturally adds an alluring factor to the whole live experience.

We Are Never Apart takes it down a notch, followed by a captivating Imogen, “dedicated to the politics of hope”. With his latest single Myela, which was written in a response to the refugee crisis, it becomes clear that Mulvey’s soundscape has remained elegant in its simplicity, unravelling another passionate stories whilst grasping deeper lyrical content. The current events have had an impact on his songwriting, and that seems like a dominant theme on the record.

“Setlist says it’s our last song. Fucking setlist”, he laughs as Mountain To Move rounds off the main set. With its lyrics “Wake up now” echoing throughout the room, the next statement delivers an explanation.

“I was just told that the album announcement is going live tomorrow at 10 am but fuck it. It’s called Wake Up Now and will be out in September”. Having said that makes the audience cheer again as the news they’ve been waiting for has finally arrived.

The acoustic solo version of Cucurucu generates a beautiful sing-along whilst Fever To The Form gracefully closes out tonight’s set.

With a fervent passion and well-crafted songwriting skills, Nick Mulvey has found a way to tell stories about this world. The music he shapes purifies and bewilders, reaching every single soul, and his live shows are best examples to prove it.

Photos: Kasia Osowiecka