04 November 2016 (gig)
06 November 2016
Last Friday, New York-based singer Bright Light Bright Light performed at Bush Hall, Shepherds Bush, to a capacity crowd of adoring fans; as intimate and personal a performance as you’re likely to see in a Victorian-built theatre that was the perfect venue for what felt like a family reunion.
Bright Light Bright Light is the name under which Rod Thomas, originally from Neath, has been performing since the release of his 2010 track “Love Part 2”. He has supported acts such as Ellie Goulding, Erasure and Scissor Sisters on tour.
Thomas has a fantastic voice, throws in sax and keyboard, and is supported by an ensemble who compliment him perfectly; a set-list which was a pleasure to be part of, and a part of you feels you were; the emotion is palpable.
“I’ve seen him six times”, said one fan, “tonight was really special, so moving, I was really touched; when he sang his solo on the piano I cried, I was just there, tears rolling down my cheek that just doesn’t happen!”
The appreciation is evidently mutual - whilst signing merchandise after the show, Thomas reciprocated: “You know the best part of tonight was seeing people that have been to shows again and again, seeing so many familiar faces makes you feel that that they’re on your side, it’s the best feeling in the world”.
Support act Chad Valley [Hugo Manuel], a soloist with an array of electronic outpouring that he sings alongside; stripped back, vulnerable and haunting; an honest and open performance that set the mood perfectly.
The Bright Light Bright Light family meet again in Cologne, Berlin, Paris and Amsterdam in the coming days; getting together with them would be my recommendation, really you should if you get the chance, and then, I expect we'll see you there again.
