Off the Record’s Madeline Christy reviews Eric Paslay’s performance at Bush Hall supported by Thompson Square. Listen to both acts on episode 86 of the podcast.
‘He was our first dance song’ said a couple next to me at last Thursday night’s Bush Hall concert. For all of you who are unfamiliar with the Texas native, Eric Paslay, you may best recognise him from his long string of hits, such as Love and Theft’s Angel Eyes, Eli Young Band’s Even If It Breaks Your Heart, and Jake Owen’s Barefoot Blue Jean Night (all of which he performed during his setlist and you can listen to on his new Live in Glasgow recording). Though this is only the fourth time Paslay has performed in London, he’s building a great following – one fan screamed that they had followed him through his UK tour over the past two weeks for he’s a true ‘high class’ act.
Though Paslay is yet to have a set sound, he pulls off different styles well, from his opening, energetic number ‘High Class’, that set the bar for the remainder of the night, all the way through to 2017’s Amarillo Rain, which showcased his vulnerability. He is more than a one trick pony, and most certainly more than a one hit wonder.
Fascinated by the hall’s history, Paslay put a unique spin on each and every one of his song – his lead guitarist, Dane Kinser introduced a sensational guitar solo on the already bright hit ‘Young Forever’ full of 70s rock vibes and thrown guitar picks, while the whole band put a rhythmic, folk-like twist on Mike Posner’s ‘I Took A Pill In Ibiza’. Paslay also revealed a new song from his soon-t- be announced sophomore record (that amazingly Lady Antebellum rejected) called ‘Woman Like Her’ where he sings ‘I’d be a walking disaster, learn happily never after/if she hadn’t come, wrecked all my plans/ a woman like her is good for a man’. Is this hinting at a more romantic album?
Speaking of romance, it’s hard not to mention Paslay’s lovestruck opening act – Thompson Square. The two are celebrating 20 years of marriage this year as well as the release of their latest album ‘Masterpiece’ – the title track inspired by the birth of their son, Cooper. Opening with ‘That’s So Me and You’ from their 2013 album ‘Just Feels Good’ was a perfect introduction to their relationship and fun sound. The couple tell their love story furthermore through their ‘True American Love Story’ that captures the adventure of their marriage; the fullness of the track was still obtained in their stripped down set through Keifer’s fervent guitar playing and Shawna’s zealous hand percussions. Though the pair are still working on that much anticipated fourth album, Shawna is working on a solo project (produced by Keifer) that homes in on a more honky-tonk sound, inspired by the sounds of the 60s and 70s that Shawna was raised on. ‘Leon On Neon’ is a track that is able to capture the simplicity of that era of music while still sounding fresh and anti-tribute. ‘When a jukebox is your only friend/ the quarter drops and a heartache spins/ you wanna know how I moved on/ I used to lean on neon’ Shawna sings accompanied by a Carter style guitar.
The two closed their set with their best hit (yet) ‘Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not?’ – their sassy single from almost a decade ago, which is just as vibrant now. It was an amazing way to get the crowd pumped for Paslay and to end their London stay on a high note. We hope that the duo return to headline their own show soon.
