REVIEW: Wilkinson, O2 Academy, Newcastle.

Wilkinson may have a moniker more readily associated with razors and a popular DIY chain store, but he's fast making a name for himself in the music world.
Wilkinson.Wilkinson.
Wilkinson.

Having already remixed and collaborated with the likes of Ed Sheeran and Chase & Status, the star of the South West London drum ‘n’ bass DJ is fast on the rise.

Four top 40 singles, a debut album and a rip-roaring response to his top 10 hit Afterglow (400,000 sales and 46million Youtube views), the 26-year-old is, in the eyes of many, on the cusp of Superstar DJ status.

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For the sell-out crowd that packed into the O2 Academy last night, he’s already there.

His set had the old bingo hall jumping to sounds of his greatest hits so far with Afterglow in particular physically getting the floor bouncing.

The set included most of the tracks off his debut album Lazers Not Included, and it was clear why it went straight to Number 1 on the iTunes Dance Chart in 10 countries.

And in the heaving O2 Academy, Wilkinson showed just why he is the darling of the drum ‘n’ bass community.

Wilkinson and Wrench 32.Wilkinson and Wrench 32.
Wilkinson and Wrench 32.
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With the Best Single, Best Album, Best Video, Best Producer and Best Live Act honours at the Drum & Bass Awards already under his belt, he’s not short of accolades.

But the most deserved is the Best Live Act honour given the show he put on last night. The strobe lighting and explosive jets of smoke had the audience in raptures, adding to the already electric atmosphere.

The academy was not a place for the fainthearted, with the standing stalls and balconies rocking with teenage kids.

In recent interviews Wilkinson has expressed his desire not to be pigeonholed. Cue rapper Wretch 32, Wilkinson’s long time collaborator and the lyricist behind Flatline.

Wilkinson and Wrench 32.Wilkinson and Wrench 32.
Wilkinson and Wrench 32.
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Wilkinson wants to in his words “bridge the drum ‘n’ bass and hip hop scenes in an interesting and distinctly British fashion.”

On last night’s showing, he's doing just that and more.

Wilkinson on the High Street may be the first name in razors and DIY, but Wilkinson on the music scene is proving a cut above and doing it for himself. A razor sharp talent!