Graham Coxon

On nights like this, it’s difficult not to wonder what direction Blur could have taken if Graham Coxon had won the tug-of-war over the band’s creative direction that mired the latter days of their first incarnation. While not achieving the same commercial success as his recently reunited band or frontman Daman Albarn, the setlist here demonstrated the depth and quality that runs through Coxon’s solo output. Each song is drenched in a guttural intensity and unique rawness, with Coxon’s distinct and unique guitar style driving the set from start to finish. The shy man of Blur has grown into a confident, engaging frontman over the last decade, and the indie scene is all the better for it.

Concorde 2, 23 April 2012

Rating: