Concert Review: Jamie xx plays two sold-out shows at the Commodore Ballroom

Dec 20 2017, 12:28 am

With a giant disco ball behind him on stage, English producer Jamie xx played two highly anticipated sold-out shows back-to-back at the Commodore Ballroom on Thursday evening.

The sun was still out and shining when doors opened for the first show, but that did not stop the crowd from coming down and filling up the Commodore from end to end. Two extra large speakers were placed in the back of the dance floor, something not often seen at the venue.Dutch producer Young Marco warmed up the evening with a mix of dance beats that got the crowd moving. And what felt like a really short set was soon interrupted by loud cheering and applause as Jamie xx made his appearance.

Mr. xx, whose name is Jamie Smith, is the producer for London-based band The xx. Smith released his latest album, a solo record titled ‘In Colour’, to very positive reviews from critics. The album is a masterpiece combining elements of music that together produce a lush, atmospheric, mellow yet upbeat record. And although his Vancouver shows were not “live” in terms of having a full band present, Smith is no rookie DJ on stage, even through his clear bashful demeanour.

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The giant disco ball and stage lights added energy to the room, filled with hands up in the air and on-the-spot dance moves thanks to the sold-out crowd. With every drop, Smith’s DJ set captivated his fans. This wasn’t a show about playing the entire new album. This was Smith being an incredible DJ and producer, and showing us why he sells out almost all his gigs. A couple of turntables and a bin of records (which he handpicked out of) were used as the show went along, with a few signature Smith dance moves here and there.

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His eclectic mix of tunes took the crowd through a welcomed musical loop from bass to Caribbean beats to funk. As he sampled Drake’s “Take Care”, a track written and produced by Smith, the fans cheered in excitement. His 90-minute set closed with two singles from his album, including “Gosh” and “Loud Places”. With no encore, “Loud Places”, which features vocals by The xx’s Romy Madley Croft, was the last track of the evening as the 26-year-old raised his beer and threw a quick wave to the fans before exiting the stage. Silence fell upon the early show crowd, as everyone hoped for more. Although our wish wasn’t granted, Jamie xx still had us marvelling/thinking/singing “Oh My Gosh” the whole way home.

(Our photographer wasn’t permitted to take photos at this show, but here are some fan photos.)

#jamiexx #vancouver #concert #commodore

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DH Vancouver StaffDH Vancouver Staff

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