SYML at Omeara
Washington state native Brian Fennell – better known under the stage name SYML – is no stranger to notoriety: his 2017 single Where’s My Love triggered a trend of teen supernatural dramas incorporating his emotional ballads into their plots. Although SYML is not quite obscure, Fennell remains deeply humble and personable. His most recent intimate gig at Omeara in London Bridge proved that although his music is played in households worldwide, his supporters are his friends, his band is his family, and his art is a reflection of himself.
Attendees squeezed their way into the close quarters of the venue, with all eyes on the small stage. SYML began with the first of many beautiful piano-based ballads, Careful, and the raw rasp of Fennell’s vocals were crisp and more touching than a studio could ever portray. Please Slow Down introduced the other elements that SYML values, like echoed synth mixed with a rustic guitar sound, and although the melodramatic tune fizzled out, leaving the crowd feeling the intensity, Fennell and his band transitioned into silly conversation with members of the audience.
Although gut-wrenching ballads are SYML’s specialty, whether it be with the inclusion of sombre strings in Meant to Stay Hid or the way in which every shaky, poignant breath he took in You and I touched every heart in the room, Fennell and his band ensured to balance distress with endearing humility and witty banter. After each tune, Fennell would ask the crowd if they had any questions – at first, the audience did not take this proposition seriously, but after The White Light of the Morning, he conducted a full-on question and answer section. From discovering that half the attendees traveled from various US states to see the show and comedic political banter to introspective takes on some of the moments on his latest record Nobody Lives Here, SYML covered all conversational bases.
Although frequent discussion and crawling through the crowd to take a selfie with a fellow American was a major highlight of SYML’s evening at Omeara, it only enhanced the displayed musical expertise. As a delightful surprise, the artist covered Billie Eilish’s When the Party’s Over and added more agony to the tune than could ever be anticipated. Another outstanding, fervent performance was with I Wanted to Leave – SYML oftentimes showcases lyrical proficiency, but this entirely piano-based instrumental break was just as harrowing as the more wordy tracks like Nobody Lives Here.
To complete the night, Fennell expressed gratitude towards his band, tour team and each member of the crowd before diving straight into the final two songs. Heavy Hearts was the musical and lyrical peak of the set, but Carry No Thing rounded out the explosive sounds and sorrowful stories heard prior with bright optimism. This may have been SYML’s last show on the first European leg of the Nobody Lives Here tour, but he will return again in October to perform at Electric Brixton to show another London crowd an entirely unique experience.
Taryn Crowley
Photos: Virginie Viche
For further information and future events visit SYML’s website here.
Watch the video for the single Nobody Lives Here here:
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