Tom Odell at Somerset House Summer Series

The Somerset House Series is a celebration of established artists and rising talent. This year no one encapsulates the title of rising talent like Tom Odell.

Championed by Lily Allen and signed to her label In The Name Of (an imprint of Columbia), and first male recipient of the Brit’s Critics Choice Award earlier this year, he’s been thrust into the limelight following his debut album Long Way Down. In tonight’s grandiose setting of Somerset House he faced an expectant audience.

Sitting centre stage at his piano, Tom commands the concert from the outset. He apologises for his voice, still recovering following a chest infection that left him unable to support The Rolling Stones last weekend. This apology is unfounded as he launches into a rousing cover of The Beatles’ Get Back, much to the delight of the motley crowd who sing along. Next up is I Know, played slower and darker than the album version: this stripping back allows his voice to send waves across the crowd. Bathed in blue light, Odell sings Another Love – the pleading power of his voice is undeniable. Other highlights include the shimmering guitars on Supposed To Be and the use of Tom Odell’s signature move – the sweeping piano keys – on Hold Me.

Throughout, Odell remains modest and humbled, admitting: “We were playing in the pub six months ago” and asking the audience to give his Grandma a round of applause after picking her out from the front of the crowd. He’s rough and raw, compellingly emotional and thoroughly believable. Tonight he gave the audience everything he had and it showed as he led us on the story of his heartbreaks and triumphs in each song. He deserves a stage this big, and his brand of brooding love songs is going to make him a huge star.

Katy Thomas
Photos: Allie Suwanrumpha

For further information and future events visit Tom Odell’s website here.

Watch the video for Another Love here: