Cameron Sanderson concert review

Cameron Sanderson may not yet be a name that is nationally known, but such is the quality
of his music and in particular live performances that he should be. He has, with his touring
band, Chris Sims and Kera Stewart, developed a loyal niche following in pop and rock circles
and to date has a catalogue of Independent single and EP releases and a number of YouTube
videos.
So it was for that reason the music of this talented up and coming performer had this
seasoned contributor of live reviews sufficiently enthused to hightail it down to Le Pub
music venue in Newport , South Wales on a Wednesday night, to watch an eagerly
anticipated set. And, I can confirm it was well worth the trip.
There is clearly a feeling of anticipation and exuberance in the room for his first Headline
tour. Then, Cameron makes a dramatic entrance from the back of the intimate venue like a
boxer entering a ring to join bandmates Chris and Kera on stage. Without hardly pausing for
breath, he launches into the emotionally charged conversational “In California”, and I am
struck with reminiscences of the emotional lyrical realism present in many of the tracks of
Indie bands of the 2000’s such as The Kooks or The Wombats. The music, though, sits firmly
in the here and now with modern catchy melodies, up-tempo beats cleverly laced with rock
riffs and dance pop elements.
Other notable highlights in the 13 song setlist, include Deadzone with its distinct pop punk
feel, the two tracks “ Get Well “ and “ Hurting Myself is so Fun” , that clearly allude to lived
Mental Health issues and the title track of Cameron’s latest EP “ Neurotypical ”.
Parts of the gig, especially at the start, were a very lively affair with Cameron and guitarist
Chris relentlessly roaming the stage with seemingly boundless energy. The band were tight.
The audience was clearly engaged. It was particularly enjoyable, as a contrast, to see
Cameron leave the stage and serenade the crowd with acoustic guitar in the mid-section.
Something that not a lot of artists do nowadays.
Audience interaction, in fact proved to be a key element of the gig with there even being a
mock award ceremony for the fans in line with the tour’s aptly named theme “ This is the
Film ”.
A fun moment came during a cover of Smash Mouth’s 1999 hit “ All Star” when a mystery
member of the crew popped up on stage in a Shrek mask dancing in a way that would have
given Bes from the Happy Mondays a run for his money. (For those younger enough not to
know who the Happy Mondays are, please ask your Parents ).
The latter part of the show saw a passionate performance of “ The Airport” - my personal
favourite and the show wrapped up with “ What do you Want?” , a song that seemed to aptly
encapsulate the anxiety and concerns of the Z generation.
Make no mistake, Cameron Sanderson, his band and “the support crew” (essentially family
and friends) have pulled out all the stops on the “ This is the Film ” tour to produce an ​
original, lively, engaging and entertaining set that I would defy anyone of any demographic
not to enjoy. Producing something of this calibre as an unsigned artist on a shoestring
budget makes Sanderson seem only more impressive.
My advice to all record labels and festival A & R scouts, is to get your butts down to a show
– pronto. This artist and his band deserve your attention.
Words and Review by Darren Lewis , live music blogger (aka Londongigger) & former live
review contributor to Blues and Soul Magazine).