There are going to be many who disagree and actually hate this review, but here goes...
Writing music with Aaron Dessner is going to get you bland pop songs (have you tried to listen to The National, his band)? While a terrific musician and producer, that is what you are going to get with Aaron. In this concert, most of the songs, all about 2 minutes in length, sound the same. Only the songs Ed states he wrote himself really stand out as different.
The concert was held at the Hammersmith Apollo in London in support of his new "Subtract" album and was performed in its entirety. Ed's vocals were stunning and clear. He introduced each song with the story behind its meaning, written during a difficult time for him. He is supported by what I assume is his band and a string section which unfortunately gets lost in the mix. A very annoying video projection is behind him which splashes blaring yellow at the start of each song. The audience clearly had their phones confiscated and were very polite and actually quite subdued.
Ed's amateurish arm graffiti is on full display as he performs in a white t-shirt and black sweats. Dude...there are really nice and comfortable clothes you could have been wearing instead. You're a very wealthy star...start dressing like one (you too Aaron).
