Denzel Curry @ SWG3, Glasgow, 29 Apr
Denzel Curry's command of a crowd is his most obvious strength, but his new material offers more introspective songs that deserve careful listening
Before Denzel Curry walks out, the chants of 'here we fucking go' have already begun. His largely young fanbase have been hyped up by support sets from PlayThatBoizay and Kenny Mason, but they’d be wise to save their energy. Denzel Curry says as much when he walks out to parting mosh pits.
The rapturous response isn’t surprising when it’s for a rapper who can bring the energy like few others. He’s a skilled and technical artist who never sacrifices passion in the process. Curry’s command of a crowd is his most obvious strength, but his new material offers more introspective songs that deserve careful listening.
'I dedicate this to the ones I hurt / It's time to get my spirit right on earth' he raps on opener Melt Session #1, underlining the reflective mood of his new record, Melt My Eyez See Your Future. He continues with Walkin, an early highlight which sets the crowd alight on its subtle and propulsive beat switch at the halfway mark. Throughout, Curry's voice is clear and resonant, every word hitting with the right impact. Worst Comes to Worst slows the tempo, giving Curry room to dig into an old school sound that suits him well, and this new material is given the reception it deserves.
When Curry returns to his more classic back catalogue, the mosh pit energy takes over once again. Whether he’s pulling from Imperial or TA13OO, reaction is enormous, and it’s hard not to get swept up in the commotion. Curry is in control of the atmosphere throughout, like on BLACK BALLOONS | 13LACK 13ALLOONS, where he acts as bandleader on the satisfying group chorus with a sea of fans.
Image: Denzel Curry @ SWG3, Glasgow, 29 Apr by Izzy Reeve
With the energy this high, some material can occasionally feel flattened, with Curry relying on stale call and response adlibs to keep the crowd moving. You get the sense that he’s forced into this routine because of the expectations of his audience – something more or less confirmed by his recent comment on Twitter, where he wrote of ‘too much testosterone’ at recent shows getting in the way of the introspective songs.
We finish by returning to his new record. The earworm X-Wing and the hyperspeed punk-rap of Zatoichi go back-to-back, highlighting just how diverse and exciting he can be. With more songs to get through, Curry is abruptly cut off by the venue’s curfew on DIET_, a frustrating moment of poor planning and potential overbooking given the club crowd waiting outside when we leave.
His mic is cut, and he decides to go a capella. Something magical happens, at least for those near the front. With just his voice, Curry captivates, showing just how much talent and charisma are there in his writing and delivery. It’s a special moment for an artist who, years in, feels like he’s just getting started.