King Creosote, the stage persona of Kenny Anderson, is a name that sits firmly within the indie folk and alternative rock scenes. Hailing from Fife, Scotland, Anderson has been a prolific force in the music world since the mid-90s, releasing over forty albums and earning acclaim for his evocative songwriting and distinctive voice.

Fascinating Fact: Anderson's collaborative album with Jon Hopkins, "Diamond Mine", was nominated for the Mercury Prize in 2011, showcasing his ability to blend his folk roots with electronic elements. His work has also been featured in films and TV shows, including the BBC crime drama "Wallander".

King Creosote's latest album, I DES, released in 2023, continues to explore themes of love, loss, and human connection. The album has been well-received, further cementing Anderson's place as one of Scotland's most respected singer-songwriters.

Currently on a UK tour, King Creosote has brought his unique sound to audiences across the country. The tour has included performances in Leicester, Nottingham, Manchester, Brighton and Exeter (tonight) and culminated with two shows at the Union Chapel in London. Reading reviews of other shows, it is clear that his audiences have thoroughly enjoyed themselves, enjoying intimate and immersive experiences, with Anderson's heartfelt performances and storytelling captivating the crowd.

Last night, The Phoenix in Exeter was graced by the exquisite presence of Emily Barker, opening for King Creosote. Barker, appearing solo with only her acoustic guitar and a stomp box, captivated the audience with a set that showcased her latest album, Fragile as Humans, released earlier this year.

Emily appeared on stage in a trendy black jumpsuit, exuding a relaxed and confident vibe as she reconnected with the Exeter audience. Her set was a beautiful journey through the heartfelt and introspective songs of her new album. One particular highlight was a song honoring a woman who has planted thousands of trees, a testament to Barker's ability to weave personal and impactful stories into her music.

Her performance of the title track, "Fragile as Humans," was spellbindingly beautiful. The song, shaped by those we love, featured deft fingerpicked notes that perfectly complemented her ethereal vocals. The audience was in awe as her voice floated around the auditorium, creating an atmosphere of pure musical magic.

Emily also shared some delightful anecdotes with the audience, enhancing the intimate feel of the evening. She mentioned her remaining three shows on the tour with King Creosote, including the last one in Brighton on Tuesday night. She humorously recounted the challenges of life on the road, including a memorable night when Graham, the tour manager, had to corral the band from a pub next to the venue to board the bus with only minutes to spare.

Adding depth to her performance, Emily took to the piano for another track from Fragile as Humans, demonstrating her versatility as a musician. Her ability to convey profound emotions with just her voice and a simple accompaniment is a testament to her true artistry.

A heartwarming moment of the night was when she was joined by two members of the KC band to perform "Wild to be Sharing This Moment." The audience joined in with tuneful ooh's and ahh's, creating a sense of community and shared experience.

Emily shared that she's recently moved back to Australia after living in the UK for 22 years. She really sold her new town, adding that it’s a great place to “get your 'ute' serviced and your axe sharpened”, added a charming touch to the evening.

As her set drew to a close, Emily's solo performance left everyone wanting more. The prospect of seeing her with a full band on her 2025 headline tour is undoubtedly exciting.

Catch Emily Barker on her UK headline tour:

• 23 Jan 2025 - BELFAST The Deer's Head (Out to Lunch Festival)

• 25 Jan 2025 - BRISTOL The Lantern

• 26 Jan 2025 - LEEDS Brudenell Social Club

• 28 Jan 2025 - NEWCASTLE Cluny 2

• 30 Jan 2025 - LIVERPOOL St Michael-in-the-Hamlet

• 31 Jan 2025 - MANCHESTER Deaf Institute

• 01 Feb 2025 - LONDON Omeara

• 02 Feb 2025 - STROUD Sub Rooms

• 04 Feb 2025 - CAMBRIDGE Portland Arms

• 05 Feb 2025 - BRIGHTON The Prince Albert

• 06 Feb 2025 - TWYFORD St Marys Church

Tickets available HERE

Fresh from his BBC Radio 6 live session, King Creosote delivered a mesmerising performance at The Phoenix in Exeter last night. Their enormous tour bus, a striking presence on Queen St, hinted at the epic show to come.

The stage setup was nothing short of a musical playground, brimming with an array of instruments and rigs that promised an evening of eclectic sounds. The night began with a lone band member creating a melodic, layered soundscape against a cloud-infused backdrop, lit up by random static interference and audio samples. This intriguing intro set the tone for what was to come.

Three more musicians soon joined the stage, followed by Emily Barker and the other two members of The Blowjets, bringing the band count to seven. As the sound swelled, an eerie, atmospheric violin kicked in, setting the mood. Then, Kenny Anderson, aka King Creosote, made his entrance, completing the eight-member ensemble.

The stage was a veritable treasure trove of instruments. From accordions and violins to acoustic guitars, keyboards, drum machines, samplers, laptops, and various percussion items, the array was dizzying. The show was a masterful fusion of electronica and traditional folk instrumentation, bridging genres to create a unique and captivating soundscape.

Kenny’s distinct Scottish vocals were rich, powerful, and commanding, perfectly complemented by the smooth, flowing tones of the band. Each track was accompanied by compelling visuals, transforming the performance into a sonic art exhibition. After the opening track, "It's Sin That's Got Its Hold Upon Us," Kenny engaged with the audience, explaining that they would play the ‘I DES’ album in its entirety.

He humorously warned that the show would delve into dark themes but reassured the crowd that it would eventually lighten up, with tracks exploring death, depression, and relationship breakdowns. Despite the somber subjects, the music was imbued with a sense of hope and joy, offering a light at the end of the tunnel.

Kenny shared an anecdote about a recent show at Usher Hall in Edinburgh, where a broken PA system led to three false starts and a long speech to fill time. His witty recounting of the experience added a personal touch to the evening.

Tracks like "Dust," with its kaleidoscopic stage visuals and poignant lyrics, and "Walter de la Nightmare," lifted spirits despite their dark themes, thanks to the pivotal role of the violin. "Susie Mullen" brought a brighter, playful tone, with all instruments fusing together to back Kenny's quickfire vocals and sampled schoolchildren's chants.

"Love is a Curse," Kenny's favourite track from the album, stood out with its eerie backing track and rich, effervescent delivery. The broken video of a lone woman projected onto the backdrop added a haunting visual element.

A particularly amusing moment occurred when an audience member went to the loo. Kenny suggested the whole crowd go crazy when he returned, leading to a huge cheer that added to the evening's camaraderie.

"Please Come Back I Will Listen, I Will Behave, I Will Toe the Line" showcased the second-best accordion player in Scotland (we never did find out who’s number one), whose exquisite vocals helped build the track until the whole band was involved. Kenny then introduced the band members within a song, each giving a wave as they left the stage, leaving Kenny alone with his acoustic guitar to close out the track. He humorously used an onstage elevator behind the guitar amplifier to give the illusion of disappearing under the floor, only to reappear moments later.

The night ended on a high note with a cover of Amanda Lear’s "Follow Me," an electro-tinged version of the disco classic. Kenny led a conga line around the auditorium, inviting the audience to join in, creating an epic conclusion to a magnificent show.

If you haven’t yet listened to I DES, stream it now and consider adding it to your Christmas list.

Words by Steve Muscutt

Pictures by Julian Baird