Harrison Whitford – Gorilla, Manchester, 17/01/2020

It’s a great feeling to dust off the cobwebs, get over the Christmas bloat, get out, and see some live music. As it is a new year, it’s only fitting that I should go out and see a fresh, exciting, emerging talent and Harrison Whitford fits the bill. The LA singer-song writer is currently in the UK in support of his pal, fellow American Noah Gundersen on a mini UK tour, which saw the pair play to a packed out crowd at Gorilla.

Whitford is arguably best known for his work with on Phoebe Bridger’s Stranger In The Alps. However, in 2018 he released his debut album. Afraid of Everything to huge critical acclaim, and tonight was a showcase for what this lad has to offer and he certainly made the most of his 45 minute set. Armed with just his guitar and haunting voice, to deliver a blend of melancholic, heartbreak-inspired psychedelia. Tonight’s gig had a bit of everything, from Tim Buckley, to War on Drugs; there was a moment when there was even a spot of U2’s guitar maestro, the Edge.

These are poignant, honest, at times a little too, as Whitford plays to respectful at times reverential audience witnessing an artist who has found his feet and is hitting his stride. In between songs, Whitford casually interacts with the crowd, at one point bashing out a cheeky little ditty about the Greggs vegan sausage roll.

For his last song Whitford is joined by his friend, Gundersen, it’s a nice way to finish the set; it’s a feel good moment for the audience.  Based on tonight’s gig, the name Harrison Whitford is a name you’ll be hearing a great deal of in the near future. His is a precious talent: an outstanding guitarist, with a spellbinding voice and the ability to distil our fragile human nature into a four-minute song.

Find tickets here