There’s something about Alex Cameron that always got to me. Like, is his whole thing a weird in-joke that us plebs are playing into? How many layers of irony do his songs have, needing to be navigated through before reaching their sincere core? Well, his latest album went a long way in answering that for me, and I‘ve come to the conclusion that there is no irony. Alex’s songs are some of the most heartfelt, genuine gestures to the people in his life, and the characters he dreams up. On Saturday night, he proclaimed “I always look forward to this part of the show, because it’s so rare that I get to sing these words in public, and I really truly mean them”, as he was about to perform his gorgeous single Miami Memory, dedicated to his partner, UK actress Jemima Kirke. Containing verses about Jemima pleasuring other women or Alex straight up eating her ass, to an unassuming listener it can sound like Alex is a comedy musician or someone who doesn’t take songwriting seriously. But learning about Alex, I know he’s really poured his heart into what he sings, and that makes it all the more awesome.

It’s hard to describe the amount of adoration I have for this man, he’s just so damn cool in a way that’s very much unique to him. I’ve heard him referred to as the next Bowie, and in essence, I can’t really disagree. While having a similar look, quality of songwriting and pushing the envelope in a way very reminiscent of peak Bowie I think Alex Cameron still has a style very unique to him, a style that I don’t really see anyone else being able to pull off. The hair, the glasses, the pants, the shirt, the socks. And the socks!! My word the socks.

As far as the show went, it was as good as every other time I’ve seen him (this was my third, and it was my third for a very good reason.) Alex’s music translates so well to a live setting, it’s danceable, you can sing along, and you can observe his transcendent dance moves. (See here for what I mean.

Still on the fence? Just check out his songs, I can nearly guarantee you’ll dig it. Everyone I’ve shown him to has lapped it up.

Words Buster Darragh Major

Images Madeleine Brighouse-Mayo