Be informed

We have seen Richard Hawley a few times now. Unlike with Neil Hannon, the format is pretty much text book. Hawley leads, a reliable and familiar band support; and so was it when we saw the band at the Brighton Dome on 18 October 2019. The set is familiar. But not. Hawley promotes his latest album, Further, but the tracks are seamless in their alignment with his back catalogue, with the exception, perhaps, of Standing at the Sky’s Edge (from which he let Down in the Woods absolutely and brilliantly rip). No criticism. The set is a crowd-pleaser. The performance is polished. The guitars and keyboards are beguiling. Hawley engages with the audience periodically and swears (we are ruled by “cunts”, he tells us). A few audience members get an earful. Just short of two hours on this last night of the tour is most satisfying. We’ll be there for the next tour and primed with a new album.