There’s been quite the buzz around Sam Fender this autumn – and it’s clear to see why.

From being named in the BBC Sound of 2018 list to his summer festival slots and new music releases, Sam Fender found himself a Radio 1 favourite before he was swiftly booked for an appearance on iconic TV show Later…With Jools Holland.

With the hype building around his music and his debut headline tour soon selling out, there was a high anticipation as he headed to Edinburgh with his band in tow for a sold-out show at The Mash House.

Opening with ‘Millennial’ Sam wasted no time introducing his stylings to the crowd as he seemed immediately relaxed on stage staring out across the packed room. After previous solo stints, the date marked the first time he’d brought his band to the capital, a move which seemed to spark an energy in Sam that drove the set forward.

It was quickly evident that Sam’s incredible vocals would be the focal point of the night with ‘Start Again’ and set closer ‘Leave Fast’ unreal showcases of his sheer talent with every line sung. Performing ‘Dead Boys’ mid-set was perhaps a brave move for those who were waiting to sing along, with the track now arguably his most known song thanks to its recent Radio 1 airplay, but it simply reinforced the strength of Sam’s versatility of upbeat singles meets powerful indie anthems, with the live version sounded exactly as recorded.

One thing is evident, Sam Fender doesn’t simply write radio-ready songs with repetitive lyrics. Each track is carefully penned surrounding social and political issues, sounding more like they’ve been lifted from a book of poetry than an album of songs.

“Poor souls sleeping on shop front doors being turfed off by the council / Forgotten by our government / Selfish little baby with no responsibility, watching people die in the cold…”

Throwing back to February’s ‘Friday Fighting’, his face lit up when fans began singing along, with the track followed in tow by our recent Track of the Day ‘That Sound’. Describing the moment ‘Play God’ was picked for Fifa 19 as one of “the best days of his life”, Sam chatted to the crowd as if they were friends as he effortlessly burst into song.

As if the room hadn’t already fallen head-over-heels in love with Sam’s voice, it was time for his sheer vocal power to take the spotlight as his band left the stage for the encore as he sat at the keyboard showcasing a new side to his sound, perhaps a particular surprise for those who had stumbled across him in his newer band days. As soon as his fingers hit the keys and he began to sing, the room dropped to silence, captivated by every word. Sam Fender has an incredible talent which in a stripped back surrounding only amplifies this, as the crowd was fixated on his voice.

Ending back at his roots with a stripped back solo single, Sam Fender brought the night full circle with an incredible showcase of his talent as each minute passed by.

He may have found himself on the airwaves and projected into the Radio 1 ‘realm’, but there’s something different about Sam.

His musical talents are undeniable and will surely see him go far, but, with Sam, it’s important to note that each single isn’t simply a traditionally written reflection on life, he manages to create engaging and catchy singles based on social and political topics without seeming overbearing or politically charged, yet still battling topics many shy away from in his clever songwriting. Perhaps many will appreciate this side and many will be looking for a sing along taking their own meaning from each release, but that’s no bad thing.

Sam Fender has a lot to sing about – and it’s time you listened.