LIVE REVIEW: James Marriott @ Mountford Hall, Liverpool

Rising from YouTube origins, James Marriott has carved out a distinctive voice within the UK Alt-Rock scene, building his platform on a connection to his loyal fans and raw vulnerability in his songwriting. 

Photo Credit: Paul Lang

James performed an intimate show in Mountford Hall, Liverpool. Tucked inside the University of Liverpool’s Guild of Students, an electric atmosphere was present from the opening track, ‘Something’s Wrong’, when he emerged from a smoke-filled stage to a roaring crowd reaction that would be consistent all night. Throughout the show, he commanded the crowd by encouraging us to jump, dance, and eventually form mosh pits at his request, bringing a very natural and lively energy.

Between tracks, James would interact with the crowd through storytelling, with one notable moment being when he shared that his band had once played in this venue to a group of unimpressed label executives, a memory that now serves as a triumphant reminder of how far his music career has blossomed. The intimacy of glimpsing at the person behind the project made the show all the more special.

Photo Credit: Paul Lang 

A highlight of the night was surprise guest Holly Minto of Liverpool’s Crawlers performing a duet of James' song ‘It’s Only Love’; he invited her to dedicate the song to someone of her choosing, to which she said Freddy Fazbear, delivering a lighthearted comedic moment to what was a very soft and tender performance.

Another very special moment of connection with the crowd was after the show had ended, and he joined some of the crowd outside to perform a stripped-down acoustic version of a new track, ‘California Rain,’ under the rain.

The set was simple and authentic; James Marriott played with his band, regaling the audience with stories behind the songs and showcasing what defines him as an artist. Honest songwriting, true passion for music, and a deep connection with the audience provided for an intimate and heartfelt night.