So it’s back to the Lexington. Last visited for the triumphant return of the Everlasting Yeah in January (read about it here) for the return to London of Son Little, last seen at Hackney’s Moth Club in December for a show that pulled me back for more.
You can read Son’s back story in my review for the Hackney show. That’s history though and now you’re here to read about his night at the Lexington.
Since the Moth Club gig, he’s released another single from his self titled debut album. “Toes” is a rocking little number, the video for which is filmed in a perfect small club setting, akin to both of his recent London venues. He’s being touring with Leon Bridges and has been working on some new songs. He’s gained a guitarist which provided a fuller sound than the Hackney gig. The rest of the band were the same and they really are a well honed unit now.
What hadn’t changed was Son’s habit of dressing in excessively for the gig. Having worn a lumberjack shirt, gilet, scarf and hat in Hackney, the Lexington featured an overcoat, hat and scarf, apparently in a homage to “Dirty Mind” era Prince. Needless to say, four numbers in, he started disrobing.
The setlist had a few songs which I was unfamiliar with (possibly new). It leaned a little more on his reggae stylings, which the crowd seemed to enjoy. Personally I prefer the more soulful material but, hey, you can’t please everyone. His version of Drake’s “Hotline Bling” got another airing which I love. He also did a version of Bob Dylan’s “The Man In Me” from “New Morning” and featured in “The Big Lebowski”. It isn’t one of my favourite Dylan songs in any case. Son did it justice but it didn’t float by boat for no fault of his. “Alice” was a real tear up with a shout out to an Alice in the audience. “Loser Blues” was also a highlight with both guitarists featured. The home run of the last three numbers really topped the show off nicely.
All said though, another excellent satisfying gig from Son. If he keeps on this trajectory and knocks out a couple of the killer songs that he hasn’t quite got yet, then he is set fair. It is clear that he appreciates and engages with his audience and gets their affection back in spades.
A few points:
- Yet again, the Lexington delivered excellent sound, a good selection of drinks at reasonable prices and great sight lines. It really is a terrific place to watch music
- At £10 a ticket, the place was pretty rammed on a Monday night. Book the right acts, get your pricing policy sorted and people will come out, even on the most schoolish of school nights
- It was great to see my old friend Mark B there. It’s getting to be a habit. Long may it continue
That’s it for gigs for this week but next it is an emotional night with Earl Slick in Islington.
BlackCountryRock 
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