BEN HOWARD // USHER HALL, EDINBURGH
BEN HOWARD LIVE AT EDINBURGH’S USHER HALL
★★★★★ (5/5)
BEN HOWARD LIVE AT EDINBURGH’S USHER HALL
PHOTOCREDIT: CALUM BUCHAN
Ben Howard’s return to the Usher Hall in Edinburgh marked a celebration of his critically acclaimed second studio album, I Forget Where We Were. Performing the album in its entirety, Howard delivered a mesmerising, atmospheric set that encapsulated both the depth of his songwriting and the raw beauty of his folk-inspired sound. The night wasn’t just a musical journey through one of his most beloved records, but also a feast for the senses, with stunning visuals enhancing the experience.
Opening with the hauntingly beautiful “End of the Affair,” Howard immediately set a contemplative mood. His signature fingerpicking guitar style and hushed, emotive vocals were as captivating as ever, drawing the audience into the melancholic world of the album. The slow build of the song, from its delicate beginnings to its explosive climax, perfectly set the tone for the evening. Songs like “In Dreams” and “Small Things” showcased his ability to blend introspective lyricism with intricate guitar work, layering his folk roots with haunting atmospherics and subtle electronic elements. The hypnotic rhythms and moody soundscapes added a layer of depth to the live experience that made the album feel even more profound in a concert setting.
Fans were also treated to the long-awaited live performance of “The Burren,” one of the new tracks included in the extended version of the album. Having been a fan favorite for years, but only available in live bootlegs, the full release of “The Burren” was a moment many had anticipated. Howard’s performance of the track was nothing short of stunning, with its haunting melody and ethereal instrumentation blending perfectly into the set. The crowd’s reaction made it clear that the wait had been well worth it, with the song earning one of the biggest applauses of the evening.
What set this performance apart, however, was not just Howard’s music but the stunning visual production that accompanied it. The stage was bathed in soft, warm lighting, with sweeping visuals of natural landscapes—oceans, forests, and abstract imagery—projected behind him. These visuals mirrored the themes of nature and introspection that run through Howard’s music, creating a cohesive aesthetic that felt both soothing and otherworldly. The interplay between light and shadow added an almost dreamlike quality to the performance, elevating the already emotionally charged music.
Howard’s folk style has always been rooted in a deep sense of place and personal reflection, and his performance at Usher Hall captured that essence perfectly. His minimalistic stage presence—often just him and his guitar, occasionally accompanied by his band—allowed the music to take center stage. Each song unfolded like a story, carried by Howard’s expressive voice and his deft guitar work. The audience was hushed throughout, completely absorbed in the atmosphere he created.
As the night drew to a close with the album’s title track, “I Forget Where We Were,” the performance reached a poignant conclusion. The emotional weight of the song, with its swirling guitar and reflective lyrics, left a lasting impression, offering a final, introspective moment for the audience to soak in. Howard’s understated, yet powerful delivery of the track served as the perfect ending to a night filled with raw emotion and musical mastery.
For fans of Howard’s introspective, folk-driven sound, this was a night to remember. The stunning visuals, combined with the depth of his performance, made this concert more than just a celebration of his second album—it was an immersive, emotional experience that lingered long after the final notes faded.