Josh Taerk – The Water Rats, London 20/2/13

I approached the Josh Taerk gig at Water Rats last night much in the same way I would with any other Canadian singer songwriter ‘on tour’ in London – with well placed cynicism.
This apprehension was immediately eased when it became apparent that this is an artist who not only knows his craft, but who also oozes charisma.

His on stage stance is representative of an assured artist who is safe in the knowledge that his tracks and voice, seamlessly translate and engage the audience. Josh’s on the spot riffing with the audience created a rapture usually only encountered when watching a far more seasoned artist.

Some may say Josh’s tracks are limited in variety and need more tempo variation, but for me this formula only adds to his appeal as an artist. He has a style, a sound and a vision that breaks away from the current genre chasing, cliché forming artists on the London scene. This sets him out from the crowd and is a point of difference that appeals to not only this journalist but clearly to the many members of his fan base who were out in force last night.

If you get the chance head down to see him live, and make sure you do it soon, as tickets to his gigs will soon be as hard to come by as decent pint in a music venue. 8/10

Billy B