Live Review: Tamino - Scala, London 04/12/2019

Majestic. Melancholic. Atmospheric. Tamino, the Belgium-Egyptian artist, sold out the famous Scala venue in London’s King Cross. An impressive feat for a recent newcomer who has also supported Lana Del Ray and collaborated with Radiohead’s Colin Greenwood on his single ‘Indigo Night’. Merging Arabic and Western sounds, Tamino orchestrated a beautiful soundscape of mesmerising falsetto and grungy guitar interlaced with delicate and sometimes synthy piano.

Joined on stage by a pianist, bassist (Colin Greenwood) and drummer, Tamino also performed multiple songs solo - just his voice and his guitar. He came on stage and instantly began his set - no chit-chat or grand entrance. Dressed stylishly (as usual) but again quite understated and simple with his signature one hoop earring. His composure was generally serious, as it is when someone is focused on their craft, but he broke into a smile when turning to face the rest of the band.

Much like his stripped back performance, the set design was minimal. Red, orange and blue lights were used throughout the set to create a misty, moody atmosphere - conjuring up imagery of the colour-scapes in his music videos for ‘Indigo Night’ and ‘Sun May Shine’.

Compared to some gigs where people dance, talk and constantly head to the bar, this crowd were held captivated by Tamino’s ethereal sound. Throughout the room arty types were dotted around with lots of Tamino-esque hairstyles and chic jackets.

Tamino’s powerful vocals had the crowd transfixed from the first note. His delicate falsetto in ‘Habibi’ (‘my love’ or ‘sweetheart’ in Arabic) received an applause from the audience which broke the silence around the venue. The harmonies and piano in ‘Indigo Night’ were beautiful.

Much of the set was performed similarly to that on the album so I was caught off guard when Tamino and the band went off piste in ‘So It Goes’ and left space for instrumental experimentation. For his second to last song he covered Mac DeMarco’s ‘My Kind of Woman’ which went down well with the audience.

Tamino has been compared to Jeff Buckley with his powerful voice and ambient guitar. But it is clear that he draws on a wide range on influences - Thom Yorke, James Blake and Nick Drake are some other artists who share Tamino’s sensibility and carefully placed melodies.

Signed to the UK indie label Communion, Tamino continues his tour across Europe and America but unlike tonight he will be performing solo. Intensity and simplicity encapsulated Tamino’s performance on this wintry December evening and he will no doubt bring that same moody emotion to future shows.

Words by Lizzie Connor and Photography by Hattie Stewart-Darling