Live Review: Newton Faulkner - Northumbria Students Union, Newcastle 23/10/2025
To celebrate the release of his new album ‘Octopus’, Newton Faulkner has been touring the UK and touched down in Newcastle on Thursday to deliver a set of passionate stories, songs, and more stories. Supported by Marie Naffah and Nati Dredd they created an evening not soon to forget.
Giddy excitement was felt throughout Northumbria Student’s Union, as Faulkner’s hardcore fanbase had gathered to watch him perform songs old and new, but before he brought his alternative folk rock sounds to the stage we were treated to the angelic sound of Marie Naffah. When she entered the stage and started singing, I was as mesmerised as I was when I first saw her perform live in 2022. A presence completely captivating and a voice brimming with soul, Naffah and guitarist Robin Breeze performed their songs like I haven't seen many others do. Having been a fan for years, I was treated to all my favourite songs, including 'Mother Of Pearl', the title track of her debut album, 'Minnesota Ground', 'Loving You (Tenderly)', and 'Gloria', as well as a new single that will most definitely make an appearance on her upcoming EP. Although the two were sitting down and performing acoustically, their brand new fans were listening attentively and you could hear a pin drop as they shared their life’s work.
A tough act to follow, Nati Dredd did it with suave and a butt load of humour. The Scottish comedic singer, songwriter and guitarist surprised with her vocal range and powerful indie rock songs. Tongue in cheek lines, lyrics, and songs such as her latest single release ‘JOAN’, had us all smiling and singing along within minutes. ‘Five More Minutes’ and ‘Golden’ were personal hook-filled favourites and showcased her stunning voice, captivating rhythms, and knack for writing pop anthems. The love was mutual as Nati announced “I love the piss out of you” to her charmed audience. Both were grand and wonderful openers for an evening filled with amazing song writing.
By the time Newton Faulnkner entered the stage the crowd was well and truly warmed up and ready for an evening of music and conversation with the well-versed and madly creative musician. Something he’d shown me when I interviewed him not long ago was the stompbox shoes he’d manufactured so that he could perform his music as if he’d be performing with a full band. Adding triggers to both the heels and balls of his feet meant that he could add layers of drums to his solo performance, and it also made for a comedic effect every time he walked across his platform to change guitars. Talking like there was no tomorrow, Faulkner was clearly at ease on the stage and with his audience, which made for a wonderfully intimate atmosphere.
The joy was written across his face as he joked, giggled, and mesmerised with near faultless performances of well-known anthems such as ‘Brick By Brick’, requested by most definitely his youngest fan and audience member, ‘Dream Catch Me’, ‘What Took You so Long’, and ‘Alright, Alright, Alright’. As Newton performed anthems, ballads, and highly eccentric soundscapes, we went through all the motions enjoying the performance with him. The one-man-band he’s built for himself is unparalleled which on its own made this evening unforgettable. To that he then added a performance with Nati and Marie which gave me goosebumps. As we all sang, danced, and jumped along, it felt as if we moved as one and created an impeccable evening of live music together, completely driven, of course, by our captain; Newcastle Faulkner.
Words by Laura Rosierse
Photograph by Lauren Peters
