Tom Clarke at Islington Academy

On Saturday night, the Islington Academy transformed into a haven for music enthusiasts awaiting the soulful sounds of Tom Clarke, the once-lead vocalist of the indie rock band The Enemy. Having already released two solo albums, Clarke is now on tour with promising record The Other Side.

With a minimalistic stage setting ready to receive the beloved Clarke and his band, the crowd seemed excited and energised. Accompanied by a bassist and a pianist, the first song played was Aggro, a classic hit from The Enemy’s 2007 debut album We’ll Live and Die in These Towns. The following tracks were also from that record, sparking a sense of nostalgia in the audience that sang all the songs together.

Amidst the youthful and heartrending melodies, Clarke’s charismatic presence took centre stage with the spirited exclamation, “Ladies and gentlemen, it’s been a few years, but I’m back!” The atmosphere in the venue surged as anticipation reached its peak. In a seamless transition, the strumming of strings and the gentle keystrokes of the piano intertwined, signalling the commencement of 40 Days and 40 Nights. The crowd responded with an eruption of enthusiasm that echoed through the Academy.

While the setlist featured only a modest representation from his latest album, tracks such as She Don’t Leave the Lights On and Flowers left an indelible mark with their delicate melodies and introspective lyrics. These songs resonated deeply, forging a profound connection with the audience, particularly capturing the hearts of the female contingent.

In an electrifying culmination, the set featured all the best-loved hits delivered in a dynamic electro-acoustic environment where the prominence of guitar notes reigned supreme. As This Song echoed through the venue, the fans sang the chorus in unison for a moment. “Thank you very much, London!” Clarke exclaimed, the crowd profoundly moved by a performance destined to linger eternally in the hearts of all who witnessed it.

Matilde Onofre Pacheco
Photos: Nick Bennett

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