Studio Electrophonique charms Nottingham with a nostalgia-fueled debut
The musician brought his debut album on tour to support The Divine Comedy.
Photo: Studio Electrophonique
In an era where a debut tour must make an immediate impact, Studio Electrophonique delivered the exact kind of captivating energy needed to win over a fresh audience. The solo project of James Leesley faced the daunting task of opening for The Divine Comedy, but managed to pull it off with style, making the most of his all-too-brief 30-minute set.
The name Studio Electrophonique will resonate with connoisseurs of Northern music history, harking back to the analogue recording studio in Ken Patten’s Sheffield front room that helped birth acts like Pulp, ABC, and The Human League. It’s a fitting moniker for James Leesley, who masterfully weaves soundscapes drawn from ‘60s French cinema, Carole King, and Elvis.
The air was electric with anticipation at Nottingham’s Theatre Royal & Concert Hall and Leesley, accompanied by two touring band members, quickly set the tone with an opening explanation of their backstory. The stage was arranged with two guitars, a keyboard attached to an accordion, and a central, evocative cassette player.
For their second show of the tour — the first being at Liverpool’s Philharmonic — Studio Electrophonique captivated the crowd with their slow, wistful music. Leesley kept the atmosphere light between songs with charming crowd interaction and jokes, creating a warm, intimate feel. The performance was drenched in a wonderful sense of nostalgia, with the cassette player providing the foundational layer. Light drums, tambourines, and pipe organ melodies formed the backdrop for Leesley’s tender vocals.
Each song unfolded like a short story. The notably beautiful David and Jayne, which recounts a couple’s seaside retreat where they learn to appreciate one another through hardships, was a particular highlight. It was heartening to watch the crowd’s reaction, with couples young and old holding hands or resting heads on shoulders, lost in the peaceful melodies. The music felt like a tribute to shared experiences, both past and future.
Studio Electrophonique’s beautiful compositions whisk you away on a journey, celebrating the small, missed moments between friends and lovers. This was a phenomenal start to their tour, proving they are more than capable of winning over audiences on the road with the incredible The Divine Comedy. For fans of experimental and nostalgic music, Studio Electrophonique is one to watch. Listen to their self-titled debut album, out now, and catch them on tour if you can — it’s a truly worthwhile experience.