poppedmusic

Rhodes

Photo: Popped Music

Communion Music Presents at Leaf Liverpool April 1st 2014

Leaf has such a lovely vibe you can’t help but sit in silence and fully take in the music being performed. At least that is what it felt like this particular evening. I’m sure if the bands called for dancing and crazy antics that would probably be all good too. Support came from Gonzalla (with accompanying cactus). A wonderfully delicate yet melodic duo who despite being born almost half the world away from each other both sounded as though they had been making music together since the beginning of time.

There was no ceremony at this show, no sudden stop of music, no roadies blundering about with wires and line checks. Eventually the chatter stopped and there stood one lone man and his guitar. I wanted to cheer though felt slightly uncomfortable doing that in such a quiet space. Rhodes is a charming lovely young man, who sings like an angel that has secret afternoon tea meetings with the devil. He carries his guitar high as if it’s a weapon, and that it may well be, for it, and he, has cast some kind of magical spell over me.

Though the night and the set was short and sweet, some banter between Rhodes and his best friend (who was sat up front) gave a nice little added touch. To know he’d played one of his first ever shows in Liverpool was also great and really encouraged people to get on his side. It must be hard to just stand there with no one on your side and hear the open mic night downstairs and every creek of the floor as you play. Yet Rhodes seemed to take it all in his stride. He did his sales pitch for his last EP and his new EP all with a hint of cheek while remaining sincere.

His voice and his music speaks for itself though and if I came away knowing anything that night it was that he’s a gem, a must see and a must see now, before he gets lost amidst a tour of larger venues packed the the rafters with howling fans.

My personal highlight of the show was his last song Your Soul (I did let out a very small and involuntary yay from the back of the room). I can only imagine how great his sold out shows in London with full band are going to be, not just for that song but for anything he performs. He promises he’ll be back to play Liverpool soon and I’ll be there, with bells on.