poppedmusic

Will Joseph Cook

Sound Control, Manchester, 4th May 2017

Words: Alicia Boukersi
Photos: Trust A Fox Photography

On Thursday night, Will Joseph Cook took on the intimate setting of Manchester’s Sound Control where he played songs from his catchy debut album Sweet Dreamer. The Kent native started with title track Sweet Dreamer before lancing into the woozy, epic Treat Me Like A Lover. Slowing the pace with its soft intro and swooping vocals, the song took control of each of the 200-or-so crowd members who swayed rhythmically to the beat as if caught in a trance.

Will then properly introduced himself, making reference to his first show in Manchester on his national tour and how much had happened since he last played in the city. “This is incredible”, he said. “Last time we were here, we were only playing to seven people. Thank you guys for joining us”.

Take Me Dancing has always been one of my favourite tracks, and watching it live did not disappoint. The airy indie-pop ballad was done justice, with Will’s band providing perfect backing vocals.

The set initially closes with Girls Like Me, a tune that would be at home in any romantic-comedy soundtrack. Its dreamy, compelling riffs balanced with Will’s signature vocals allowed the track to fully soar above the Sound Control basement. Will Joseph Cook, along with his band laid on the floor basking in the atmosphere before playing two more songs as their encore. Beach ended affairs with its sun-bleached melody and sickly sweet disjointed guitar riffs.

So what can be said? Well, Will Joseph Cook’s newfound fame is well deserved; his music is melodic brilliance and he is able to captivate his audience effortlessly. It’s frankly insane to discover the musician is only 18 years old, and it simply shows how he has the potential to become a mainstream artist. Listen to him before he gets big.