TVBOMB

Tom Thum – Beating the Habit

Music / 60 min / £14(£13), £12(£11) / U

Showing @ Underbelly Bristo Square, 2-27 Aug (not 13, 20), 18.45

This is Tom Thum’s first solo show, although touring as part of Australia’s Tom Tom Crew since 2007 has obviously helped him hone his craft to a keen edge. Perhaps a little too sharp in fact, as amidst an orchestra’s worth of instruments and a throng of voices, the one thing that seems to be missing here is the raw energy of a live gig that would make this truly special. There is no denying that Thum has a gift – it is often impossible to believe that one man can produce all the sounds you hear in this show. But although the audience members seem to enjoy themselves, there never feels like a real connection between the crowd and the performer.