Bristol O2 Academy, May 16th 2022
Brooke Combe sings like she’s tied her laces with heartstrings.
She walks on stage in a pair of sunglasses as if even she’s aware, this early in her career, of the spotlight she gives off when she sings. Combe is a dominating queen of hearts, and a soulful powerhouse of a promise; her music is sweeping and all-consuming. She’s serious, bashful, and proud.
Miles Kane – the musician she is supporting tonight – wears a t-shirt throughout his set honouring Combe. She already has the greats twisted around her little finger.
There’s a Jagger-esque confidence in the way Combe moves onstage that’s far older than her years. In black lingerie and bright pink trousers, she sees winning over the crowd as a game of cat-and-mouse. It’s a game she knows she’ll win – and if not tonight, they’Il be bowled over soon.
She knows who she’s singing for when she begins an incredible cover of Arctic Monkeys’ “Why’d You Only Call Me When You’re High?” It’s a sexy, desperate call to arms, and a cheeky wink to Miles Kane himself, who is in the band The Last Shadow Puppets with Arctic Monkeys frontman Alex Turner.
With jukebox favourites like “A-Game” and “Miss Me Now”, the yearning female aggression Combe seems to delight in is at its most vivid. There’s an anger in her voice, but it’s always shaded with vulnerability. While she has complete control of her voice, her decision to occasionally let go of the reins, in favour of total liberation makes her a truly mesmerising force to watch.
Perhaps her best song is “Impress You”.
God knows she’ll do that.
@katejeffrie 
Porthjess
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