Matt Cardle - Koko, Camden, London - 3rd October 2011 (Live Review)
Wednesday, 05 October 2011
Written by Katie Territt
Just a year ago, Matt Cardle was about to start a journey that would, in a cheesy and clichéd way, change his life and help make his dreams come true. Now on the verge of his debut album release, Matt played his first full solo London show to a packed Koko in Camden. A crowd full of fans, family, friends, fellow musicians, and X Factor contestants past and present saw Matt preview some of his upcoming album tracks, as well as a few covers thrown in for good measure.
Taking to the stage with a band consisting of old friends from his pre-X Factor days, Matt gave the first of his many humble thanks to the excited crowd before launching into the title track from debut album ‘Letters’. Starting with a slow, ballad-esque beginning, the song slowly builds into a huge, full band accompanied chorus, sounding almost Snow Patrol in its style – a sound that certainly suits Matt’s vocal range. After a huge applause from the crowd, not to mention the screams from many hormonal women, Matt singled out the contestants that form this year’s “boy’s” category on X Factor. Pointing to them up on the balcony, he wished the boys luck saying they were “about to have the time of their life”, before introducing album track, ‘Pull Me Under’ – a more up-tempo, soft rock style tune which is a good indication of the sound of ‘Letters’.
It’s no surprise that Matt names ‘All For Nothing’ (a song he co-wrote with Adele collaborator Eg White) as his favourite track on the album. The soulful sound of the verse is just a starter for the fantastic chorus, truly showcasing Matt’s amazing voice in the key change, as well as his talented band – particularly the stand out guitar solo. A definite album highlight. ‘Stars & Lovers’ was up next, a pretty “poppy” track in comparison to some of the others, but a great up tempo, sing-a-long song that drew a fantastic reaction from the large crowd.
The next song was the first of four covers of the night, a song which Matt announced as the first song he ever sang to anyone on X Factor. With the band having left the stage, Matt played a gorgeous version of Dolly Parton’s ‘Jolene’, armed with nothing but his acoustic guitar and a beautiful vocal. Although the next song needed no introduction, Matt announced the track as a song he played on X Factor, and the song he most felt like himself when playing on the show. His stand out rendition of ‘Night’s In White Satin’ was even better than on the show, and was real proof that his voice has improved and grown just in the few months since winning.
Back to the album tracks, and ‘Starlight’ was next, another sing-a-long song with an addictive chorus which roused a great reaction from the crowd, some of whom seemed to be singing the words back to Matt. ‘Slowly’, another Eg White collaboration slowed down the pace with its romantic ballad-style sound and another great lead guitar solo.
Matt’s first original single release, ‘Run For Your Life’ received an outing as the last song of the regular set, and sounded even better live. A more commercial sound than the song’s Matt has co-written, the track still manages to be perfectly produced for his voice. The build up to the chorus crescendo is almost anthemic and you could see the beaming smile from Matt as he soaked up the crowd’s reaction before leaving the stage.
The two song encore was all about the covers, with Matt’s winners single, ‘When We Collide’ being introduced as the song it would be “rude not to play”. With the crowd singing every word, even being left to sing on their own at times, Matt finished the song by thanking the fans for making it No.1, and even showed his vulnerability in getting a bit upset at what was obviously such an overwhelming occasion for him. The last song of the evening, although a cover, was without a doubt the highlight of the set. Matt launched into Alanis Morrisette’s ‘Uninvited’, a song which switched between a gorgeous acoustic guitar and piano version, and a full band, full on rock version. It was an absolutely amazing performance, with vocals nothing short of perfection. Nobody in that room could have denied the goosebumps on that one. What a finish!
If it was ever in doubt, Matt Cardle’s Koko show proved exactly why he is such a deserving X Factor winner. His album tracks are fantastic and real proof that Matt is a genuinely talented singer-songwriter. His vocal range is amazing and it was a pleasure to hear how much he’s grown already since winning the show. ‘Letters’ is destined to be a huge hit, a sell out tour is inevitable, and Matt Cardle’s career is definitely going to be long and very well deserved. A true talent and a wonderful night.
NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
We don't run any advertising! Our editorial content is solely funded by lovely people like yourself using Stereoboard's listings when buying tickets for live events. To keep supporting us, next time you're looking for concert, festival, sport or theatre tickets, please search for "Stereoboard". It costs you nothing, you may find a better price than the usual outlets, and save yourself from waiting in an endless queue on Friday mornings as we list ALL available sellers!
Taking to the stage with a band consisting of old friends from his pre-X Factor days, Matt gave the first of his many humble thanks to the excited crowd before launching into the title track from debut album ‘Letters’. Starting with a slow, ballad-esque beginning, the song slowly builds into a huge, full band accompanied chorus, sounding almost Snow Patrol in its style – a sound that certainly suits Matt’s vocal range. After a huge applause from the crowd, not to mention the screams from many hormonal women, Matt singled out the contestants that form this year’s “boy’s” category on X Factor. Pointing to them up on the balcony, he wished the boys luck saying they were “about to have the time of their life”, before introducing album track, ‘Pull Me Under’ – a more up-tempo, soft rock style tune which is a good indication of the sound of ‘Letters’. 
