Nathan Evans at the Garage

Nathan Evans brings the Highlands to Highbury with an unforgettable night of folk and fancy, proving tenfold that the moniker “TikTok Star” is utterly unsatisfactory. It’s true that he shot to fame overnight after his rendition of the sea shanty Wellerman went viral on the app but, since signing to Polydor Records, Evans has been striving to prove that his music (beyond ShantyTok) can stand on its own two feet. He bounds on stage alongside fellow Scots, the brother duo Saint PHNX, and welcomes the rush that comes with playing a venue like the Garage.

Flowers in the Water opens the show and the crowd are immediately receptive, clapping along, the energy vibrant. It’s lyric-heavy with intricate guitar and a thumping beat and it well and truly sets the tone. The three of them bounce off each other in their matching merch getups, their choral harmonies in Told You So blended without a hiccup; you can feel their love in the way they keep catching each other’s wide eyes and stares of awe. Then, the beautiful, familiar harmonica of Wagon Wheel trills around the room and one is reminded why country music is most loved when played live.

Midway through, Evans asks the fans to make some space for him on the floor so that he can come down and sing with them. It’s a song called Paper Planes, a deeply personal track written through a tough time in his life. Phone flashes illuminate him in the centre of the room as his vocals soar, and it is a therapeutic break for all.

The last number before the encore is a perfectly chosen cover. Parting Glass is traditionally sung in Scotland at the end of time spent with friends. Evans chooses to forego a microphone for this part, requesting silence from the room as he projects his voice to every corner. His vocals have been impeccably smooth and full of character all night, and this just drives it home.

“No Scotland, no party” rings true as he ends the night with a run of patriotic ditties, including the inimitable Country Roads. Home is a jaunty ode to the rivers and hills he grew up with, and Highland Girl is so spirited one could close their eyes and feel the wild Scottish air on their face. Scottish folk in the hands of Nathan Evans is hypnotic and raucous and rich and wonderful, and everyone in this room knows it.

Talitha Stowell
Photos: Virginie Viche

For further information and future events visit Nathan Evans’s website here.

Watch the video for the single Sweet Mountain Rose here: