Feux fans across the country unite in North London for the artist’s debut, headline show.
“I’m not anything bigger, or anything smaller: I’m just the same [as you] pants Feux, real name Max Rawlingson, as he entertains the crowd between songs. It’s a quote that’s indicative of the artist’s journey thus far. Entirely independent, the hallmark of Feux’s success has been the humbling connection he’s built with fans, who relate to the vulnerable intimacy of his discography.
Released earlier this year “Opal Blues”, the artist’s second album, flows seamlessly as a state of conscience. Listeners are plunged deep into the artist’s internal pursuit of happiness, as he ethereally explores mental health issues over meandering hip-hop, rnb and electronic beats. Its tenderness is incredibly accessible and, if the Camden Assembly show is anything to behold, clearly resonates with many.
Selling out months in advance, an air of excitement looms over the venue. By 7 PM, a wave of beanies, baggy jeans and Arc'teryx jackets cue outside. Anticipation wafts through the air as fans finish drinking tonic wines and smoking rollies. Just half an hour later, nearly all the merchandise is sold out. Stragglers try to justify purchasing the remaining triple XL hoodies, whilst others look despairingly at those already wearing them. It’s this tribal mentality that makes Feux one of the most mentioned names in London’s pool of Gen-Z artists.
With no support acts named before the show, fans are left to debate who’s below Feux on the bill. Not many, if anyone, will have guessed the prestigious NiNE8 collective. In the capable hands of Mac Wetha, Lava La Rue, Nige, Bone Slim and LorenzoRSV, the crowd warm up to legendary cuts like “079EIGHT” and “DO OR DIE”. JP Rose, Feux’s DJ and close friend, has people duggying to hip-hop classics too, until the unassuming figure bounds exuberantly on stage.
Within three songs, the air is heavy with moisture. Sweating into his anorak and new era cap, Feux begins to dazzle with cuts like “Devil Be Gone” and “Touch”. Ade, who plays guitar on a selection of tracks, performs his unmistakable riffs and adds to the occasion’s momentousness. The night’s tangible intensity elevates as JP Rose presses play on “Salamander”, a song that revels in skippy electronica.
The show continues to thrill: merchandise is thrown into the crowd, fans hop on stage to freestyle and Feux regularly references the adamantine relationship he has with his audience. The artist has a captivating presence from the minute he’s on stage to the last; performance is evidently important to him and there’s a palpable sense of joy because of it.
NiNE8 aren’t the only guests to grace the stage, either. The night is subject to Feux’s collaborative spirit, as Ashbeck, another rising talent from North West London, comes out to perform “Cloud 9”. Mustbejohn follows with his indie-tinged anthem “Lucy” whilst Glints debuts the colossal remix of his tune "Roma".
Mosh pits form and collapse in equal measure to tracks like “Nights and “Life?”, the diaristic hit single, which closes the performance. Everyone responds in a rowdy fashion. But Feux’s heartfelt candidness makes the moment endearing rather than riot-worthy: his presence and natural honesty give fans of all backgrounds something to confide in this evening.
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