Gig Review: Leo Walrus At Paper Dress Vintage
An artist who embodies timelessness with a knack for heartfelt storytelling, Walrus is truly one to watch.
On Thursday evening, singer-songwriter Leo Walrus took to Hackney’s Paper Dress Vintage as a stunning opener for CTOWN SOUNDS’ latest production. Accompanied by his band consisting of Sebastian Bloom (drums), Jacqui Wheeler (keys), Samuel Hollis (bass) and JJ Denham (guitar), Walrus brought vibrance and a vintage charm to the stage as he coursed through a selection of tracks from his growing catalogue; the majority of which can be heard on his debut album ‘I May Need Some Silence’ which was just released early this summer.
Any sense of stillness evaded Walrus as he began with ‘Angel Angel’, a slow wander of glimmering guitar and warm, inquisitive grooves that settled over the space. His vocals had a slightly gruff quality, incorporating a stripped-down tone which meshed with the band’s soothing instrumentation effortlessly. Establishing a misty ambiance, Walrus followed with ‘The Smoke’. With a delicate touch, he guided the audience into a dance of twinkly keys and a bold bassline balanced upon steady pattering percussion. “Now, you’re feeling the haze,” he sang in what felt like an open invitation to explore a careful meditation. Immersing the audience in a tender soundscape, ‘Can You Swim’ followed seamlessly with a smooth ebb and flow that carried Walrus’ words with grace.
At the heart of the set was Walrus’ 2022 single ‘Creeper Star’, which allowed the versatility of his songwriting to shine through. It was an energetic change of pace charged by beachy riffs and impassioned verses which contrasted the dreamlike atmosphere of Walrus’ creation. “Maybe it’ll work this time, I’m counting on this time,” was his convincing cry, but the number also saw the delivery of more fragile notes with a mesmerising cadence. The second half of Walrus’ set came with a sentimental feeling. ‘Scrambled’ and ‘Who’s Been Well’ were touching, bringing an air of nostalgia through thoughtful lyricism and gossamer acoustic melodies guaranteed to pull at the heartstrings of the audience. ‘All I’ve Ever Known’ was similarly reflective, but it held a sense of consolation presented with soulful textures.
Closer ‘Up Somewhere’ was a delightfully upbeat end to the performance. The song possessed a buoyant energy which mirrored that of ‘Creeper Star’, powered by sunny rhythms that you couldn’t help but move along to. Overall, Leo Walrus maintained a welcoming stage presence and delivered a set that was spirited and inspired; a breath of fresh air to set an exciting tone for the night. An artist who embodies timelessness with a knack for heartfelt storytelling, Walrus is truly one to watch.