The Civic, Trowbridge (Sound Knowledge) - 04/07/2023
"If you’ve got a little dream in your head, a little ambition, and a little thing that you need to go and get; go get it. It’s easy if you put your mind to it. It’s hard work, but it’s easy if you put your mind to it.” It’s half past six on a Tuesday night and Tom Grennan is addressing the crowd at his sold out album promotion show at Trowbridge’s The Civic. “You’re my dream!” Calls out one audience member before Grennan reciprocates the compliment and points to members in the crowd telling them they’re his dream, too.
It’s a nice message, but all the more apt considering this is his third show with Marlborough record store, Sound Knowledge, and the biggest capacity so far.
And it’s rare to be in such close proximity to such a big name on the music scene right now, let alone in a Wiltshire town.
But the main reason we all braved the British weather and headed out to this intimate out store tonight is to celebrate the release of Grennan’s third studio album, What Ifs and Maybes, which went straight to number 1. It’s important to remember that we’re all here because we bought copies of the record and had a hand in that.
Therefore, tonight’s short yet sweet setlist is mostly made up of new tracks. Opening with Psychedelic Kisses, Grennan brings the energy straight away, encouraging the audience to really get involved in the set. All These Nights is a moment which saw the crowd jumping up and down and phoneless arms are waved in the air; whereas How Does It Feel? features a bit of call and response singing.
Briefly, Grennan stops to consider the logistics. After asking around for boxes to stand on, crowd members’ shoulders to sit on and trying to work out how far the cables will reach into the standing area of the crowd, Grennan gets into the middle of the audience to play a completely unplugged version of Crown Your Love, a moment which makes tonight feel even more intimate and special.
But it’s not entirely all about the new record; there’s still time for a run through of debut album single, Found What I’ve Been Looking For, a song that feels vital now Grennan is out playing to sold out arenas, having had Sound Knowledge following him on the way up, chasing his dreams. It shows it can be done.
Calvin Harris collaboration, By Your Side, and album track, Remind Me, both offer more sing-along-moments, whilst during the former, Grennan instructs everyone in the crowd to get down on the floor before jumping up for the final chorus. He proves himself to not only have the incredible vocal talent, but also the charisma and showmanship to match.
Closing out the evening at a early finishing time of around 7pm, is Evering Road single, Little Bit Of Love, a moment where almost every single member of the crowd knows every word and sings it back. Grennan shows his appreciation one final time before heading off stage, as the crowd file out satisfied following such an incredible one off gig.
Sound Knowledge is an indie record shop located in Marlborough, Wiltshire. You can find their website here.
Sound Knowledge’s socials:
Twitter: @SoundKnowledge_
Facebook: @SoundKnowledgeMarlborough
Instagram: @soundknowledge_
WORDS AND ALL PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATIE HILLIER
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