I was unfamiliar with Window Kid when I was invited to the Newcastle date of his latest tour, and it’s these kind of shows that are my favourite to review. There’s an unmatched anticipation to being in a room full of people who are buzzing to see one of their favourite artists, while you’re one of the odd ones out - unaware of what’s to come.

Newcastle University Student Union provided an intimate setting for the gig (and, for me, a nostalgic one since it’s my alma mater). Despite being a smaller venue, it was almost impossible to get anywhere near the stage; the sold out gig had attracted an animated crowd who were packed up right against the barrier for the duration. The lack of space did not inhibit their movement; they bounced and danced in sync as if part of one organism, and the atmosphere was so electric that I didn’t even mind getting hit by a fair few flailing limbs.

The room erupted when Window Kid - or Greg to his mates - casually sauntered on stage with a cup of tea, a symbol of his recent sobriety journey. He stormed through his set, speeding through fan favourites like ‘Cardigan’, ‘Rambling Bars’ and ‘Boozy’ with a raucous and chaotic energy that created a sense of closeness, like I was watching a pal hop on the mic at a party. He was completely at one with the room, addressing the crowd as his equals, as if the energy they brought was just as important to the show as he was. Greg even trusted the crowd with snippets of unreleased songs, an exclusive album announcement and a hint that a certain rapper in the I’m a Celeb jungle would be featuring on one of his tracks, which deepened this bond even further.

Much of Window Kid’s music is about his lifestyle of wild parties, booze and drugs. This was a little bittersweet to hear after learning of his battle with addiction, which unfortunately led to a hospitalisation with life-threatening pancreatitis. He alluded to this before playing one of his more vulnerable tracks, “Lost Myself”, and it was in this moment of unfiltered honesty and emotion that he shone the most.

After the show, Greg went straight to his merch table and took the time to speak to a queue of fans that spanned across the whole width of the room. The whole evening was a pure display of connection through music, and it was really special to see.

Leanna Thomson