The Native at Colours Hoxton

Noses still cold from the wintry outdoors and a night of train delays, a young and enthusiastic crowd waited patiently for the band to finally step on stage. Energy was high and, judging by their reaction, it’s safe to say they did not leave feeling disappointed. 

The intimate gig comes at a thrilling time for the Plymouth-based indie band: from signing with This Feeling Records to releasing their latest EP, Looking Back, not to mention touring with Bastille and playing at several music festivals.

They opened with Blindside, the first track off their new record. The room was immediately captivated, singing along and swaying in the restricted space, while frontman Charlie Noordewier’s velvet-wrapped voice brought a world of bittersweet nostalgia mixed with rousing, electric-blue riffs.

20 Something is the kind of indie song that gets stuck in your head for days on end, with an energising bass and catchy lyrics that fit well with what seems to be Ariadne’s thread connecting all the songs: the idea of growing up, with everything it entails, the good, the bad, the ugly, the beautiful, the uncomfortable and the soothing. Noordewier made that crystal clear when introducing the next song, the lyrical Changes: “This one is about growing up,” he announced, and then proceeded to sing “I can only do so much/And I know the world is tired at least just try” – something that most people, particularly the younger generation, can most certainly relate to. 

Throughout the concert, the crowd kept swaying and bobbing their heads, while the bright-eyed artists focused on trying to open channels of communication with their lyrics, infused with a desire for self-definition and passion. The passion, in fact, was tangible. It filled the room. Overall, however, the set had the intensity of a melancholic, tender caress, more than a raw and lacerating soul-quake.

The highlight was the acoustic track All or Nothing, be it the emotional vocals or electric guitar. Another highlight: Noordewier’s big smile as he looked over at his fans, as if suddenly inundated by their love and support; seeing the reflection of the crowd’s enthusiasm in his eyes was one of the gig’s best moments.

Accompanied by talent and emotionally relatable lyrics, The Native are indeed on the right path to becoming another gem on the shiny crown of the UK indie scene.

Benedetta Mancusi
Photo: Sam Fogg

For further information and future events visit The Native’s website here.

Watch the video for the single Blindside here: