LIVE REVIEW: THE HALF EARTH – Confidence is Bliss EP launch

LIVE REVIEW: THE HALF EARTH - Confidence is Bliss EP launch 1

In London it’s a drizzly and dark Autumn evening, but that will do little to dampen my spirits as I wander north from King’s Cross Station to the stunning St Pancras Old Church. Tonight, this amazing building sees the launch of The Half Earth’s second EP Confidence is Bliss and it’s taking place in a fitting setting.

The night opens with beautiful, haunting and powerful performances from supports, Annabel Allum and Oh Sister, (both of whom you should definitely check out) before The Half Earth aka Connor Stephenson takes to the stage in front of a quiet and contemplative audience. He looks nervous as he takes to the stage with his drummer and keyboardist saying a quiet “Well, hello!” before announcing the opening track will be the beautiful ‘Glass’ from his debut EP. The audience are quiet and attentive during the song, but give it an enthusiastic applause and this seems to bring Stephenson out of his shell.

The Half Earth EP Launch at St Pancras Old Curch 29th October 2015
Photography-Tomday

He explains that “the last three years have led up to this” and that earlier today he didn’t know what to feel and felt numb, but that applause just made him realise this is it and he beams a smile. He then ascends into ‘Balance’ and ‘Borders’ stopping for a little banter between songs, his confidence growing with each one as his falsetto vocals and electronic soundscapes inescapably fill the venue wall to wall. He then jokingly announces “this track is called ‘End’ and it’s the first time I’ve played it not at the End!”

After this quartet of older material, he tells us that the first of the three tracks he will perform from the new EP will be ‘Holding On’. This song explores new territory for T.H.E. featuring more dance-edged synth and lower vocal ranges and it’s met with acclaim, the crowd love it. Next is ‘Pieces of Us’ which made the lofty heights of Radio 1 play only the night before. It’s a rockier tune but in keeping with the former is dancer than previous material.He admits that if he’s allowed to have a favourite track of his own, this is it and I can see why.

T.H.E conclude the set with ‘It Happens to the Best of Us’, with an air of sarcasm he says he calls it I.H.T.T.B.O.U. because that’s easier… This one’s an absolute belter and he has the audience either captivated or dancing throughout and finishes on a real high.

The Half Earth EP Launch at St Pancras Old Curch 29th October 2015
Photography-Tomday

The EP looks set to bring more success T.H.E.’s way and deservedly so, his performance was engaging, powerful and above all it was an enjoyable night. Those of you that haven’t yet, check him out and if you have, watch this space, as Confidence is Bliss will be available for download soon and you should most definitely grab yourself a copy.

Next stop, supporting SOAK on tour…

Set list: Glass / Balance / Borders / End / Holding On / Pieces of Us / It Happens to the Best of Us

Avatar for Thomas S. Day
Thomas S. Day 93 Articles
Fav Band: Bombay Bicycle Club Fave Album: Black Holes And Revelations - Muse Email: tom@xsnoize.com

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