HOLLY HUMBERSTONE: LIVERPOOL, UK
Holly Humberstone
at O2 Academy in Liverpool, UK
words by Shannon Garner, photo by Nick Allan
Marking the first chapter in the story of a new global talent, Holly Humberstone’s critically acclaimed debut Falling Asleep At The Wheel paved the way for immense success. Becoming a breakout sensation during a global pandemic meant that the rising star watched her world change from the comfort of her room and in that period of time, achieved everything a young artist could dream of. From being chosen as YouTube’s next Artist On The Rise to being nominated for the Ivor Novello Rising Star Award with Apple Music, Humberstone developed the confidence and stature that defies her 22 years of age and when live shows opened up again, she was able to endear fans at sold out shows across the globe. Identifying with female writers who overshare, Humberstone takes her honest storytelling and universal experiences a step further by setting out on her most extensive UK tour to date to share such intimate life moments.
Entering the stage to ‘The Walls Are Way Too Thin’, which has racked up over 23 million Spotify streams, a palpable sense of excitement pulses through the audience. That excitement is instantaneously reflected on stage; the crowd-pleaser, a charismatic dark-pop-influenced track, fills Humberstone with immediate confidence as she pushes her vocals and keenly observed lyrics to the fore without a nerve in sight.
Her trebly rhythm playing adds a welcome point of difference when set against the stars more driving songs. The acoustic rendition of ‘Overkill’ rings through the venue as Humberstone’s vocals soothe the audience’s ears as they bounce to the beat created by her looper. As she continues to create her own musical backdrops for each song using the device, the combination of multiple piano and guitar sounds mixed together to create an acoustic melody are accompanied by funky electronic beats that for sure impress the crowd.
While she is earnest and authentic during ‘Please Don’t Leave Just Yet’ and ‘London Is Lonely’, you can’t help but find yourself bopping along or gently swaying to the sincere softness and melody of Humberstone’s voice. Adding a vibrating effect to her vocals through the use of autotune, ‘Please Don’t Leave Just Yet’ sees the rising star move back and forth from playing the piano to subtly moving around the stage keeping the crowd entertained whereas the poignant ‘London Is Lonely’, a track that viscerally conjures the anxiety of moving to the city, fills the room with the audiences’ choir-like tones as they all sing back in complete unison.
As the crowd are treated to a wide range of Humberstone’s discography, one of which mainly revolves around the concerns of growing up, there are moments throughout the night where it’s evident she’s still finding her ground. Eliciting a thunderous amount of applause, the encore of ‘Sleep Tight’ and ‘Scarlett’ bring the night to a close and although she may be an up-and-coming artist, Holly Humberstone has already made a solid name for herself. In creating a live show that captures every emotion backed by a strong artistic talent, the Sleep Tight tour feels like the perfect end of the rising stars first chapter of many in what seems to be a promising career.