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date/time
Tue, 10:00AM
light rain
11.5°C
WSW 16mph
Sunrise3:33AM
Sunset8:33PM
Jeremy Williams
Arts Correspondent
@jeremydwilliams
P.ublished 20th May 2013
arts

Feelix - The Library Theatre, Sheffield

Mike Dignam 'Jason Mraz meets Ed Sheeran'
Mike Dignam 'Jason Mraz meets Ed Sheeran'
Rating: 5/5

It is wet, windy and quite frankly, rather foul night in Sheffield - the sort of evening that wreaks havoc on the roads and causes nights out to be cancelled. Therefore, it is little surprise to find that Mike Dignam is running late for his gig.

Having to make his way across the rather treacherous Snake Pass has taken it's toll, and the lovely lady at The Library Theatre box office is apologising for the late start of Feelix's intimate evening due to the late arrival of their support artist.

With the offer of a warm shelter, the entrance hall is abuzz with excited audience members, who can not wait to hear the new material Sheffield's highly celebrated duo Feelix have offered to unveil, the time soon passes and the auditorium doors are opened.

Previously unaware of Mike Dignam, whose online following is mightily impressive, he is best described as Jason Mraz meets Ed Sheeran with a bit of Lynden David Hall thrown in for good measure. His unassuming presence and striking vocal capabilities are immediately impressive, with the audience immediately warming to his charming compositions.

With equally notable between song banter, Dignam ensures that the late start is blissfully forgotten and the warmth of the Library Theatre is more than enhanced by his goosebump inducing set.

With the set highlight a newly composed anthem - 'Sing With Me' - it is clear that Dignam is an artist on the cusp of superstardom. With the audience treated to a free copy of his début LP 'Paint', Dignam ensures that his positive vibes are the perfect opening act.

After a half hour interval, Feelix's Kat Eaton and Nick Atkinson slink onto a stage fully loaded with instruments. Without a fuss, the pair launch into a rendition of their rousing single 'Baby Steps'.

As Eaton's deliciously rich vocal fills the theatre, and the infectious song triggers toes tapping and an almost unanimous mouth along, it is apparent that Feelix are on their finest form. With the evening focussed on showcasing new material (some of which is lifted from their new EP 'The Acoustic Sessions), Feelix ensure that fans are treated in equal proportions to fan favourites (notably a sensational rendition of 'Please Don't Lie'), innovative covers (Eaton's vocal soar on an impeccable tribute to the late Amy Winehouse on 'Stronger Than Me') and exciting new material ('Alien' marking a move into playful experimentations).

With such striking material to showcase, there was little doubt that Feelix would put on a good show. But for those who have only heard the records, ensure you get to see Feelix live. For while their record is impressive, the live Feelix experience is mind-blowingly awesome.

Eaton's vocals ooze the spirit of Shelby Starner, the character of Ingrid Michaelson and the storytelling of Nell Bryden, while Atkinson's guitar solos are on a par with anything Simon McBride or Jonny Lang could offer.