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KATE AUMONIER/ JAMES BLUNT
Shepherds Bush Empire, London Friday 29 April 2005

A sold out gig and to my shame I've never even heard of the headliner James Blunt prior to tonight! Young crowd mainly with a high female turn out as to quote one lady Mr Blunt 'is a bit tasty'. But for me I am here to witness the support Kate Aumonier, who bravely starts her set in acoustic mode and goes well (bar those annoying twats who always talk loudly at the back of certain gigs - go to a pub if you don't like music!) with a stand out being 'Beautiful Girl', when Kate is joined by a full band.

Vocally she is very strong - not wistful nor harsh but very melodious and a fine range. Cracking support set and she really does deserve more success - her debut album is well worth a listen.

Now the headliner, James Blunt gets a raucous welcome and it's clear the whole crowd (bar me!) know all the words to his tunes on his debut album. I enjoyed 'So Long Jimmy' and 'No Bravery' but after awhile it was hard to tell one song from another. Yes musically the songs are fine but I can only remember those two plus a great cover of Crowded House's 'Fall At Your Feet', as the rest lacked any real 'hook' for me plus the music never really stepped up a gear on the more uptempo numbers.

Short set as well as it was just over an hour. James Blunt has obviously got many fans but I am yet to be convinced and there are better and more worthy artists out there. A modern day Phil Collins - nice music for people who don't really listen to much music.

Review: Jason Ritchie