Live Review: Ben Goldsmith -17th September 2024- The Courtyard, London, UK
2 min read
We made the short climb down to the basement showroom of the Courtyard Theatre in Hoxton to watch Long Island’s Ben Goldsmith perform at his first London show on Tuesday night. His set consisted of a nostalgic journey through the latter decades of the 20th Century and the Noughties with a confidence and energy that bodes well for the new album. The Start of Something Beautiful.
Kicking things off with Crazy, the show started with a bang, instantly grabbing the crowd’s attention. Goldsmith’s guitar skills were on full display, delivering electrifying riffs and solos, with his two bandmates, drummer and bassist, providing solid support. He effortlessly moved through a range of genres, from indie to country, drawing on influences like John Mayer and Adele (which makes sense, considering he’s been working with Dan Wilson). His seamless transitions between styles kept everyone engaged and on their toes.
There was a clear nod to early 2000s British indie rock, reminiscent of The Kooks, giving the show a familiar yet fresh vibe. Goldsmith’s swagger and upbeat stage presence fit perfectly with this sound and his Jersey Shore vocal style was reminiscent of a young Bruce Springsteen.
The highlight of the evening was definitely the seventh song, Haunted—unfortunately not on the new album, but a true showstopper. It packed an emotional punch, with Goldsmith pouring his heart into the performance. The brooding intensity of the song was gripping, making it the standout moment of the night and showcasing the potential for an exciting future.
Later, when Goldsmith switched to acoustic tracks, his Nashville influences came through clearly. His fingerpicking was impressive, displaying his technical skill and musicianship. These songs were some of the best-crafted in the set, though they did drag a bit, with little variation from one to the next. At one point, when asking the crowd if he should get back to rock and roll,, they politely agreed.
Ben Goldsmith’s performance at The Courtyard Theatre demonstrated his ability to blend a wide range of influences while still carving out a sound that is uniquely his own. Though there were some quieter moments, his confident guitar work, strong song writing, and commanding stage presence made for a memorable evening. Fans of indie rock and classic song writing should definitely keep an eye on him as he continues to build his career.
Setlist:
