Rag'n'Bone Man has grand expectations of his audiences. Rory Graham’s music is designed to raise the roof and ignite hopes like wildfire. Disregarding the masculine preconception that emotion equals weakness, this brutish, bearded soul artist is a switched on, deep-thinking performer.
Every track on Graham’s debut LP, ‘Human’, demonstrates Rag'n'Bone Man at his most charged. Tinged with gospel and themed by honesty and a search for an all consuming love, its keys, drums and choruses build to crescendos narrated with effortless clarity.
'Human' is sunny in interludes such as the trumpet-led Ego and the particularly bluesy Arrow, with these musical arrangements demonstrating Rag'n'Bone Man at his best.
But, as a counterpoint, subtlety often takes a back seat here and the lack of quiet moments on the album resonate like a creative void.
It's true that the beauty of Graham’s work is best demonstrated in his lyrical conviction and the power of his delivery. However, although his lavish baritone may push the live shows to their most beguiling limits, at points the album could benefit from a softer, more varied approach. ‘Human’ can feel like a musical soundtrack as opposed to a standalone LP.
An undeniable talent with huge potential, Graham’s development should focus on owning the stage and becoming more aware of his lyrical constructs rather than retreating to his capacity to make a lot of noise.
Rag N Bone Man Upcoming Tour Dates are as follows:
Tue April 18 2017 - BRISTOL O2 Academy Bristol
Wed April 19 2017 - LONDON O2 Shepherd's Bush Empire
Thu April 20 2017 - LONDON O2 Shepherd's Bush Empire
Sat April 22 2017 - MANCHESTER Academy
Sun April 23 2017 - GLASGOW O2 ABC Glasgow
Mon April 24 2017 - BIRMINGHAM O2 Academy Birmingham
Wed April 26 2017 - NOTTINGHAM Rock City
Sat May 20 2017 - BRIGHTON Brighton Dome
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