King Charles at The Forum

King Charles hasn’t released any music since 2012. From the size of the crowd at The Forum in Kentish Town last night, you’d never have known. A new album is promised soon, finished just before the beginning of this epic 28-day tour around the UK. Last night’s London show was the last of the bunch, and King Charles sure went out with a bang.

The oh-so-bohemian king of cool was fighting fierce with a beloved repertoire of classics and a smattering of something new. The swelling crowd went absolutely wild as the lights went down – King Charles commands an army of adoring fans, committed to hearing what is at this point still only a back catalogue of about 15 songs. He’s an accomplished musician, with undeniable stage presence and a sense that he just belongs there; alongside his roguish good looks, quirky dress sense and cheeky charm, it’s a disarming combination. 

Considering this was the finale of an intense month of touring, one hoped that there may have been a little more interaction. There was no sense of occasion, really – or, at least, it wasn’t communicated to the crowd. With Gloucester’s show seeing Marcus Mumford take to the stage, London really was expecting a little something special. Nevertheless, King Charles and the band played a solid and vastly entertaining set that included hearty renditions of Mississippi Isabel and The Brightest Lights, which the crowd clearly lapped up.

New tracks were woven in carefully, though three back-to-back was a bit much, losing the crowd’s attention for a wee moment. Loose Change for the Boatman and Bright Thing were both melodic wonders, lyrically intricate and romantic, promising much with the next release. The live setting sees this band play a lot heavier than the record sound, which is at once thrilling and a little confusing for the uninitiated, as they could almost be a totally different act. LoveBlood was a pounding, ascerbic number, while Coco Chitty had the whole audience singing along, tearing their hearts out along to the words.

With the tantalising promise of new music on the horizon, this show just proved again that King Charles is in it for the long haul. A rousing medley of Paul Simon’s You Can Call Me Al meshed with the crowd favourite Lady Percy was just evidence for the band’s relevance, staying power and spirit. Closing with Love Lust to raucous screams, they assured us they’d be back soon. Let’s hope so.

Georgia Mizen
Photos: Zak Macro

For further information about King Charles and future events visit here.

Watch the video for LoveBlood here: