Rhys Lewis at Lafayette

From the very first note, Rhys Lewis had the packed Lafayette hooked. Opening his sold-out show with Alone (the first single from new album Corner of the Sky), the singer-songwriter quickly proved why he amasses more than two and a half million monthly Spotify listeners.

A soulfully sentimental Lewis took the audience through his impressive recent material, which navigates themes of heartbreak, disillusionment with modern life and learning to let go. Written as a way to escape the turbulence of everyday life, the record’s name comes from the safe space he found himself in when writing the new tracks.

Yesterday’s Rain aptly showcased his superior vocals – even the slight mishap due to an earlier key-change during rehearsal only served to propel him onwards, amid rapturous applause from an adoring crowd. Nearly halfway through the set, the artist played his part in a very romantic proposal with Things You Can’t Change. The lyrics were particularly apt as he sang, “I want you for the worst and for the better” and the fan got down on one knee. Celebrations were soon in order, with champagne and a backstage meeting with Lewis awaiting the happy couple. 

Stripped-back and powerfully raw, emotional power ballad The Middle explored the bittersweet reality that no heartbreak is ever truly equal. The singer’s gentle soul further came to life in the beautifully authentic Simple, swiftly followed up with an equally poignant reflection on living through a global pandemic in The Sun Will Rise. Even by his own admission, he isn’t known for dance hits, but Midnight and Symmetrical brought a welcome change of pace, the punchy and rhythmic beats energising the venue. Happy F***ing Birthday rang out as Lewis commanded the audience to sing it back to him. Explaining the meaning behind this one, he spoke about the pressure and expectations of turning 30, the track ultimately becoming a hopeful reminder to move forward.

The Oxfordshire musician left the song that propelled him to fame till nearly last, as the familiar melody of No Right to Love You had the fans singing every word. The night ended on a high with To Be Alive, an upbeat and happy reminder to live life to the full: “Cause only the moment matters / Yeah, the future might never happen / I wanna know what it means to be alive.”

Alexandra Davis
Photo: Harvey Wilson

For further information and future events visit Rhys Lewis’s website here.

Watch the video for the single To Be Alive here: