This week sees the return of Dan Mangan to the British shores. It was only a few months ago when Dan was here spending the warm, British summer nights performing in Glastonbury fields and celebrating Canada Day with throngs of Canadian expats in the middle of Trafalgar Square. So it’s a pleasure to see him rekindle his love affair with Europe and return to welcome in the dark, winter months.
The first London headline show at Hoxton Square was packed to the rafters with temperatures rising as more people flocked in. Proving that he made his mark the last time he was here, Dan burst into ‘Sold’ with his usual passionate, gruff voice before gliding into the heart wrenching ‘Silly Git.’ 'Post-War Blues' was an energetic new song that was greatly accepted by the audience and the delicate nostalgia of ‘Basket,' a dedication to Dan's grandfather, brought tears to the eyes.
Dan found a few moments to pay homage to his beloved Vancouver with the guitar shuffles of ‘Tina’s Glorious Comeback’ and closing the show with the anthem that is ‘Robots’ which saw everyone sing back before Dan even asked them to join in. Just like his previous performances in London, all eyes were on Dan proving that he should really stay in England for more than a week.