Jake Bugg, The Dome, London, gig review: An unexpectedly riotous return for the northern star

Bugg has progressed into delta blues, dance synths and even northern soul raps

Jake Bugg (Joe Eley)

Jake Bugg's sound is developing as he proves to surprise us tonight with songs from his third album, On My One.

Convinced attaching himself to a variety of genres and showing more versatility in his songwriting, Bugg has progressed into delta blues, dance synths and even northern soul raps. "Love, Hope and Misery" is a bold departure with it's funk guitar groove and synth strings, while moodier skiffle song, "Lightning Bolt" is already a strong fan favourite

Placed between older numbers like "Country Song" and backed by an unobtrusive three-piece band, the 22-year old finger picks his guitar to the album's title track and sings, “I’m a poor boy from Nottingham / I had all my dreams but in this world they’re gone."

Bugg mutters to the room “I don’t like dancing,” before "Never Wanna Dance" and with its down-tempo R’n’B beat it's certainly a provocative departure from more straightforward tracks like "Trouble Town."

As Bugg tiptoes out of his comfort zone there's still the usual between-song mumbling but musically he's offering a lot more. From the tender "Song About Love", to the Weeze's retro-rock stylings on "Gimme The Love" there are sharp lyrics and the choruses ain't half bad either. An it's an unexpectedly riotous return for the northern star.