It’s quite hard not to enjoy a gig at The Eden Sessions.
Gorgeous surroundings in the shape of The Eden Project’s iconic biomes? Check. A selection of hand-picked ciders, beers, and wines to keep you watered as the night rolls on? Check. Oh, and the presence of Actual Paolo Nutini on stage, providing a flawless soundtrack of some of the best pop, alt-rock, and soul music this nation has produced in the last twenty years? Check, check, and check.
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Over the course of ninety magical minutes in the Cornish countryside, the Scottish singer/songwriter delivered a multi-textured masterclass in how to combine contemporary pop bangers with a one-of-a-kind soul/blues vocal performance.
Opening with Afterneath, his voice, rich and textured, grabbed everyone’s attention from the get-go. Lose It and Pencil Full of Lead had everyone dancing and singing along, while Through the Echoes and Iron Sky showcased his incredible vocal range and emotional depth.
We mustn’t forget the opening act, of course. Arriving in the form of London’s Prima Queen, the hotly band mixed indie and alternative sounds with an infectious energy, serving up the perfect warm-up for the evening’s festivities.
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But there’s a reason why Paolo Nutini was the headliner, and it’s a simple one – he’s really bloody good.
We’ve already established that he’s got more bops than a toddler on a pogo stick, but it’s the little things that made this a truly great performance. His stage presence was spot-on, and he had a genuine connection with the audience, making every song feel personal and intimate.
And, as always, the acoustics at The Eden Project were impeccable – every note resonated beautifully throughout the venue, and the capacity crowd maintained a respectful silence through the slower songs and brought a buoyant energy for the bangers. If he hadn’t already long claimed the title of Crown Prince of Blue-Eyed Soul, it’s his after this show.
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