Only Real plays to a sell out crowd at London’s Ace Hotel
On the door to Ace Hotel’s packed basement, an apologetic woman is turning people away from tonight’s packed out show from Only Real - aka Niall Galvin - a 22-year-old West Londoner and one man DIY project that started in a bedroom and exploded online.
He’s been compared to Jamie T and King Krule, but Galvin carves out his own sonic niche, melding grimy half rap-half drawls about running free in the big city with sun-soaked, jangly guitars.
“Blood Carpet” and glimmering recent single “Cadillac Girl” (a fuzzy ode to summer love) are delivered with a hyperactive theatricality and cheeky swagger. Only Real’s cocksure stage presence will make for divisive viewing, but it’s hard not to crush on something that fizzes this much with energy.
Setlist:
Blood Carpet
Punks and Potions
Beastie
Backseat Kisses
Jerk
Get It On
Cadillac Girl
Cinnamon Toast
- Brat is the music critics album of the year for 2024
- Lady Gaga says Bruno Mars collaboration was the "missing piece" of LG7
- UCHE YARA releases final track of the year, "as I left the room"
- Alabama Shakes play their first show in over seven years
- Paul McCartney joined by Ringo Starr and Ronnie Wood for closing night of Got Back tour
- Watch Clarissa Connelly cover "Moonlight Shadow" in session at End of the Road Festival
- FINNEAS, Barry Can't Swim, Foster The People and more join NOS Alive 2025
Get the Best Fit take on the week in music direct to your inbox every Friday
Cameron Winter
Heavy Metal
Sasha
Da Vinci Genius
