Jake Bugg was on brilliant form Wednesday night at Shepherd’s Bush Empire, kicking off the show with upbeat country-esque numbers which could have fallen straight off a Johnny Cash LP (more on that later).

A dazzling tech display to set each mood and more guitar changes than could be fathomed possible followed, as he stormed through tunes from his self-titled 2012 debut album.

Bugg somehow manages to pull off guitar solos note perfect, but plays as though he just doesn’t care, the tunes carrying themselves despite his irreverent attitude to performing. With an occasional few words to the audience between numbers in a deep voice which belies his vocal range, his set is a laid back affair.

The audience lapped up every track, sticking up ‘Two Fingers’ at the appropriate moments and joining in on his surprisingly catchy (dare I say pop?) choruses. His more reflective tracks, including ‘Country Song’ and ‘Broken’ gave a beautiful respite, and a second encore of Johnny Cash’s ‘Folsom Prison Blues’ was an inspired choice to round off Bugg’s show. 

Jake Bugg is playing around the UK in March and appearing at various festivals across Europe this summer before going on a UK tour in October and November.  

UK Festivals   TOUR DATES & NEWS

Splendour In Nottingham Festival 2013 Saturday 20th July 2013 

Isle of Wight Festival 2013 Friday 14th June 2013 

Evolution Festival 2013 Sunday 26th May 2013

Benicassim 2013 Thu 18th to Sun 21st July 2013

T In The Park 2013 Fri 12th to Sun 14th July 2013

Leeds Festival 2013 Fri 23rd to Sun 25th August 2013

Reading Festival 2013 Fri 23rd to Sun 25th August 2013 

Elizabeth Rogers Photo James Waller