Brooke Combe is bringing a fresh take on soul music to Britain. The singer-songwriter derives influences from 90s R&B, combined with new-wave soul and indie-pop alongside anecdotes of love and heartbreak.
Right off the bat of the release of her eight-track mixtape last month, Brooke took to the sold out stage at Canvas Manchester on Thursday night. Kicking off the night with ‘A Game’, the buzz from the crowd intensified immediately. Stemming from Brooke and her bands’ immediate vibe. With catchy guitar riffs and powerful soulful vocals, Brooke had the audience reeled in from the get-go.
Teasing the crowd to some new music, Brooke debuted a brand new song, written during her time in LA. Nodding to her indie roots. The track felt reminiscent of 60s soul and Motown, with strong rhythms, percussive elements and sophisticated, gospel-inspired melodies. Before leading us into an arrangement of Angie Stone’s ‘Wish I Didn’t Miss You’. Her versatility in genres was astounding. Exhibiting her creativity and a real confidence as an artist at the age of 23 years old.
From sitting down to play piano in ‘Shaken by the Wind’ to grabbing her guitar again to perform her latest song, ‘Black is the New Gold’, Brooke’s organic songwriting and storytelling took us on a journey. Forming a united atmosphere in a room full of strangers. Ending the evening with her most acclaimed track ‘Are You With Me?’, the energy felt electric as the song was sang back to her. Poignant for songs that were written in her childhood bedroom.
Already leaving a strong impression on the indie music scene, we’re now seeing Brooke enter a second phase of her musical identity and can’t wait to see what she does next.
Catch her at Neighbourhood Weekender Saturday 27th May.
Tickets are on sale now!