James, The Piece Hall. 6th June 2025

I’m a little more awake for tonight’s gig as we travel over to Halifax and stand in the late evening sun at The Piece Hall, as The K’s warm up the growing crowd. I’ve seen them before, but can’t say I remember much about it. They play inoffensive summery indie pop that quite suits the evening. It’s not bad, it just doesn’t excite me. They pull a crowd though and there’s plenty of fans in their shirts jumping around. They’re good at what they do, but they’re not for me.

James are for me and after a technical delay, storm out the gates with an intro of ‘Johnny Yen’. As first songs go, you’d struggle to do better and its extended nature sets the tone. This is what James do, they’re a live marvel, improvising as they go, with instruments playing off one another, as Tim winds up centre stage. ‘Interrogation’ follows with its ominous beginning, fleshing out into full blown euphoria as more band members join in the fun. It’s ’Waltzing Along’ that really starts the party though. This crowd is up for it and they bring the heat as the sun starts to fade. The Piece Hall is a great venue. Outdoor spaces like this can often fall foul when repurposed for large scale events, but every time I walk in here, it feels special. It is open air though and as the opening lines of ‘Sometimes (Lester Piggott)’ ring out, there’s a few spots of rain. The crowd though sing with vigour and as eyes meet and they look into each other, as is the case with the couple in front of me, I’m willing to bet they do indeed see each others soul. Tim looks moved. He takes off his hat, dances, it’s beautiful. The darker introspection of ‘All in My Mind’ slows things down, but it’s no less wonderful. ‘Way Over Your Head’ really catches me off guard. The crowd lap it up and although the spots of rain are still teasing, it feels like a real moment. I need to listen to the last record, Yummy more! ‘Born of Frustration’ blows everything out the water. Fuck me they’re good. They always are, but it still floors me every time. Andy’s trumpet sounds magnificent, Tim is in the crowd again and we all go “woo woo woo woo”. ‘Just Like Fred Astaire’ swoons as it does, before Tim teases “we’re gonna try something we haven’t played for a few years”. It’s ‘I Wanna Go Home’, with soothing grooves that build to a climax. A lot of James songs do this to be fair, but they’re so good at it, it’s impossible not to get swept along. The theatrical ‘Zero’ is brought forward in the set we learn, as Tim typically rips up the set list. This he feels suits the changing weather as the heavens open and the massive video screen behind them sees Tim’s head replaced with an AI skull. For a band that the masses still foolishly think only have one hit, it’s a stark reminder just how versatile James are. Jim’s funky bass goes head to head with Saul’s violin as they tear into ‘Five-O’ and Adrian’s slide guitar is sublime. It really is stunning stuff. ‘Shadow of a Giant’ sounds gorgeous, before we get another set adjustment and are treated to ‘Say Something’. Everyone’s singing, arms in the air, pure joy. It continues for ‘She’s a Star’ although comically the crowd do struggle hitting the note on the chorus. It is very high to be fair. I nearly lose my glasses, as I’m reaching up to help Tim crowd surf during ‘Getting Away With It (All messed up)’ not only once, but twice as he makes his way back over us after venturing out into the crowd. This is an obvious highlight and the song is stunning as we all embrace getting soaked and bond in one swaying puddle of joy. ‘Heads’ though is different, dedicated by Tim to the “Bullshit in America”, its apocalyptic tone stands out against the general positivity of their other songs. It even manages to break the screen as another technical glitch takes out several of the LED panels. ‘Tomorrow’ doesn’t need it though, it’s pure power all on its own. Although the bloke next to me doesn’t think so, he’s brought his own pyro and lets off two flairs as the song soars. We’re nearly done and (that hit) ‘Sit Down’ is predictably popular before things come to a close with ‘Laid’. It’s a superb set and although there’s dozens more songs I’d love to hear, it’s a pretty flawless two hours and there’s nothing I would’ve have left out. This is what makes James special. No two sets are alike and they always get the balance perfect. They’re a national treasure. They play The Piece Hall again tomorrow, I’d happily be there again if I could.