Live // WILL JOSEPH COOK, Electric Ballroom, London
Taking on Camden’s Electric Ballroom, Will Joseph Cook once again proves why he’s The Little Prince of British indie pop.

Following the eminent warm up of Indigo Husk, Will Joseph Cook enters the stage to the sounds of screaming adoration. The singer wastes little time, delving into what can only be called a hit parade culminating from his debut Sweet Dreamer.
The anthem-effect of Treat Me Like A Lover is instant. Though, in all fairness WJC’s fans sing along even without the lyrics. The encompassing feel of unity and joy is one of Cook’s greatest assets. His dedication to his fans seems incredibly earnest and is mirrored throughout the dazzling set.
The eloquent intro to Plastic lingers in the air, mounting into its full figure as the delicious progression of the track takes on its natural form. The colourful track’s vibrant soundscape and Cook’s luscious vocals collide, creating a surprising edge midst the sweet dream.
“This is a really special moment for me. So thank you”, the singer exclaims, seeming wonderstruck by the response. The palpable motion that sparks the air tonight at Electric Ballroom witness of an incredibly special fan base.
Sweet Dreamer have been on high rotation all summer, and yet in the context of the cold stormy October night, the tunes earn a new sense of vitality. Take Me Dancing’s tangible hook mounts in the context of these new elements, for a second, it almost feels like summer.
But WJC is more than feel-good tunes. With his gallant charm, glittering hooks and palpable pop melodies, Will Joseph Cook still manages to add something unique into the oh so known pop narrative.
His most recent cut, If You Want To Make Money – “a couple of days ago I released a new track. It felt really good to put out some new music again” – it’s an inevitable sense of swagger wrapped in a humble soundscape. The cheeky guitar opposes the heart aching lyrics, creating a contrast to his lighter material.
Lacing in a subtle lyrical melancholia within the colour-pop falsetto extravaganza, Cook avoids the pitfall of obvious or oblivious. This may be why his fans adore him with such glorious commitment.
Thursday, the upbeat anthem for the most underappreciated day of the week takes a turn before the pop whirlwind culminates with Beach. As Cook croons, “I wanna make you mine”, the show climax in a cascade of multi-coloured confetti.
It’s all good.

Photos: Aurora Henni Krogh
