In the hallowed, chapel-like surroundings of Manchester's Albert Hall, New York's Cameron Winter delivered a performance that was both profoundly intimate and artistically audacious. The 23-year-old singer-songwriter, who has released two of the most praised albums in the past year, chose to present a starkly solo show, hunching over his piano to whittle confident new arrangements from his existing work.
A Master of Contrast in an Intimate Setting
While the venue's Methodist history provided a superficially fitting backdrop for lyrics touching on God and the devil, Winter's true talent lies in the secular and the absurd. His artistry thrives on deliberate contrasts: pop-inflected melodies clash with off-kilter structures, while abstract lyrics remain strangely accessible. He possesses a boyish charm, yet commands the stage with the confidence of a veteran twice his age.
This was not a conventional victory lap following the success of his solo debut 'Heavy Metal' and his band Geese's album 'Getting Killed'. Instead of touring with a full band, Winter opted for a more revealing and challenging path. Each song was meticulously rearranged for the occasion, transforming the recorded foundations into something raw and immediate.
Reimagined Songs Without Pretension
Artists often alienate audiences with unrecognisable live versions, but Winter's reconstructions felt generous rather than hostile. The audience was not kept at arm's length but invited into what felt like a private rehearsal. He pummelled and tickled the reverb-soaked keys, stripping songs back to their core without ever making them feel stark or empty.
His deft sense of melody allowed the songs to discover new, soulful and even jazzy territories. Winter's idiosyncratic vocal drawl, which can divide opinion on record, was undeniably compelling live. His vibrato was effortless, whether he was belting out a line or delivering a whispered confession. The sold-out crowd responded with rapt silence, chuckling only when the playful song dynamics created unexpected pockets of quiet, allowing long notes to fade into the architecture of the old chapel.
A Unique Voice Beyond Comparison
It is tempting to reach for comparisons to past icons like Dylan or Cohen, but such parallels risk diminishing Winter's own engrossing and contemporary artistry. His unfaltering earnestness was the show's compelling centre. By the time he fervently declared, "God is real! I'm not kidding this time!", the conviction in the room was palpable. Cameron Winter proved in Manchester that he is not just a wunderkind from Geese, but a singular solo performer with a distinct and captivating vision.
Cameron Winter performs at London's Roundhouse on 1 December, before continuing his tour across Europe.
