A different kind of balls

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Unfortunately for Gonzalez, live performance takes a different kind of balls altogether. The Swedish troubadour took to the stage last night with the look of a lost busker, briefly appearing at Union Chapel, before taking his rightful place at Covent Garden tube station.

If he had looked up from his chair, González might have noticed that Union Chapel is actually the perfect venue for his brand of sophisticated acoustic pop. The natural reverb of the chapel complimented his droning guitar figures, while the sacred surroundings demanded silence – an essential requirement of any González concert, as his singing style is meek to the point of being inaudible.

Dividing the hour-long set between songs from Platinum-selling debut, Veneer, and sophomore release, In Our Nature, the singer-songwriter was joined by a percussionist and female backing singer. The slap of a bongo and occasional harmony, however, could do little to brighten up a concert blighted by formulaic songwriting and between-song tuning.

The best moments of last night, Teardrop and Hand on Your Heart, were both cover versions. González’s original numbers, on the other hand, belong in the background, not the spotlight. By last night’s reckoning, that should suit him just fine.

Jose Gonzalez, Tom Kerstens' G Plus Ensemble
Union Chapel
Compton Terrace, Islington, N1 2UN