The Verse’s Dana Wiginton reviews Will Joseph Cook’s gig at The Haunt on 17th October 2017.
Will Joseph Cook took Brighton on a summer getaway on October 17th at The Haunt with blissful debut album tour.
The Haunt’s intimate space meant that his opening act, Indigo Husk, had a chance to liven up the crowd before Cook came on and it worked. The room was filled with a humming buzz of anticipation until Cook himself took the stage. His presence caused hysteria amongst the crowd as he began his opening track Biggest Fan, from debut album Sweet Dreamer, needless to say, it went down exceptionally well. Cook indulged fans with this song as they sang with energetically to him they have ‘tickets to your show’, showing their dedications and support for the 20-year old singer.
The electric atmosphere built throughout the show as Cook had some old friends in the crowd, who he grew up with in Tunbridge Wells. His reminiscence of visiting the Haunt in a past time with his friends created more of a nostalgic feel to his 90s indie-pop infused album, with their honey-sweet harmonies and upbeat melodies. Other songs such as his title track Sweet Dreamer created a vigorous uproar with his audience, who were all for it, causing probably the loudest cheer of the night. Plastic also had a similar effect on the teen-infused crowds, with the unfaltering summer vibes of the countermelody, which tantalised the array of onlookers with longing for more tropical times.
Personally, Cooks performance of Beach – I Wanna Make You Mine was by far the most enjoyable, the natural rhythm of the song caused a generic sway among the crowd and displayed his vocal range and musical talents. The melody of the song encased everything about Cook’s blissful tones, along with his catchy cheery track Treat Me Like A Lover, which fed the 90s nostalgia his album creates. Cook did, however, showcase some new songs from his upcoming EP, If You Want Money and Fish; both songs provided some assurance for his fanbase that he is capable of more than one album. Fish saw him having some fun with the crowd by pretending to swim about on stage and lapped up audiences reaction to his humorous actions.
His biggest and by far the most exciting moment came from his encore of Girls Like Me, whipping his fans into a frenzy of enjoyment. His biggest selling single saw The Haunt’s dancefloor and ceiling undergo heavy endurance at the last half of the song – he used the excitement of the crowds to join in the ‘la la las’. Cook proves himself time and time again that he is a capable artist, one who understands the importance of 90s nostalgia and the concept of having fun. He is praised highly by his fans and creates a strong passion in his shows.
