Bedroom pop legend Sven Gamsky, better known as Still Woozy, took to the stage at the O2 Academy in Leeds on November 9th for the second stop of the UK leg of his Loveseat tour.
Although Gamsky debuted in 2017 with his single ‘Vacation’, to huge success in the indie pop realm, Loveseat marks only his second full-length album – a testament to his careful craft and dedication to quality over quantity.
This dedication extended to his live performance, where an elaborate stage setup – with a lush floral backdrop and bouquets adorning the piano – enhanced the night’s dreamy atmosphere.
The band kicked off with Loveseat’s opening track, ‘Again’. Though Still Woozy is acclaimed for his chill, laid-back sound, the crowd was surprised by Gamsky’s unexpectedly high energy that captivated and electrified the hundreds of fans in attendance. His raw, delicate vocals struck the audience, elevating his music with a newfound intensity.
The atmosphere was palpable as the band smoothly transitioned into fan favourite, ‘Window’. It seemed that every single person in the room was entranced as they swayed along to Gamsky’s sweet love ballad, where he proclaims “If I got one thing right, it was you and me”. The dreamy melody, paired with these heartfelt lyrics, created a warmth in the air as we were all utterly moved by Gamsky’s performance.
As the show continued, the momentum never faltered. Hits like ‘Lucy’ and ‘Cooks’, staples of Still Woozy’s catalogue, kept the crowd singing along with infectious enthusiasm. Gamsky’s stage presence was nothing short of magnetic, as he shifted from seated to standing, effortlessly commanding the stage with his every movement. It was clear that he was completely immersed in his performance, inviting the crowd to share in the moment with him.
Sven introduced himself and shared jokes between songs, further drawing in an already mesmerised crowd, creating an inclusive and intimate atmosphere. This, combined with the vulnerability and passion of his performances, highlighted his authenticity as an artist, and deepened his connection with every single fan in the room.
He closed his set with ‘Goodie Bag’, a track that perfectly encapsulated the vibe of the night – effortlessly cool yet emotionally resonant, deeply passionate above all. The energy in the venue reached its peak, with fans’ voices joining Gamsky’s in a harmonious chorus as they danced along, savouring the final moments of an unforgettable show.
Words by Zahra Hanif
Support The Indiependent
We’re trying to raise £200 a month to help cover our operational costs. This includes our ‘Writer of the Month’ awards, where we recognise the amazing work produced by our contributor team. If you’ve enjoyed reading our site, we’d really appreciate it if you could donate to The Indiependent. Whether you can give £1 or £10, you’d be making a huge difference to our small team.