REVIEW: EXAMPLE AT CARDIFF GREAT HALL (10/03/11)
2010 was simply a triumphant year for Eliot Gleave, otherwise known as Example. ‘Won’t go quietly’, the debut album of the London based rapper received a career high response and not to mention that ‘kickstarts’ was last summer’s biggest hit. Example are no strangers to Cardiff, previously performing in the Cardiff International Arena with Lilly Allen back in December 2009 and headlining the Millennium Music Hall just before the release of their album in may last year.The queue that wrapped around Cardiff’s Great Hall is an obvious indication of how far Example has come in such a small amount of time. The streets were filled with an incredible amount of young fans, desperate to get in the venue and scatter to the front barriers. Filled with pop and dance, Neon Hitch opened the show. The stage was filled with people, bizarre props and complete uniqueness, the only disappointing factor was the venue was half empty due to the fact half the crowd were still queuing to get in. The singer who is currently signed to Warner Bros, has co wrote songs with Kesha and 30H!3. Latest release ‘Get over U’ is a pop filled hit and sounds incredible live. With a bunch of potential hits under her belt and a completely unique set, it won’t be long until Neon Hitch catches mainstream attention. With energy levels set high, thanks to the DJ performing in between artists, Wretch 32 made a blazing entrance and got the crowd in the palm of his hands within seconds. Fans of the Tottenham based rapper were showing their support with a number of signs being held up to catch his attention. Performing a cut but dominate set, crowd pleaser ‘Traktor’ which reached number 5 in the UK charts went down a storm with the welsh crowd and created the first sing-along of show. As the lights go down and anticipation at its all time high, spine chilling screams fill the great hall for the man making his way to the stage. The crowd explode for the opening numbers ‘Won’t go quietly’ and ‘Dirty Face’. The set was packed with a drum n bass feel, adapting his hits to a more rave show feeling. Examples performance was not shy of energy or confidence and his interaction with the crowd is what separates from other live performers, persistently encouraging the crowd to jump along with him. Performing three new songs throughout his set, Example gave an insight of what is going to come from his next album including an on stage duet with Wretch 32 for their new single ‘Unorthodox’. Concluding the set with obvious crowd pleaser and chart topper ‘kick starts’, I think it would be a safe bet to say the sold out Great Hall crowd were all on their feet and singing carelessly for this favourite. Tickets buyers left the venue you with a value for money smile on their face and the Fulham rapper deserves nothing but praise for this performance. With a new album in the pipeline there are only big things coming for Example in the not so distant future.
Words and photos: Mike Lewis
