Does over-hype lead to disappointment?

Guest writer and PR Assistant Rowan answers that question.

Frank Ocean has had one hell of a year. After the cult success of his nostalgiaULTRA mixtape, the release of his much anticipated debut album channelORANGE received a tidal wave of critical acclaim. Championed by everyone from Kanye West to Beyonce, Ocean has especially been praised for his openness about his sexuality, revealed in an open letter to his fans earlier this year.

So it is understandable that news of his CALIFORNIA LIVE tour was met with a frenzy of excitement from his incredibly strong fan base, especially in Europe. After a string of impressive awards show performances, expectations had been high. But on his first night in Brixton Academy, Frank simply failed to impress.

Ocean’s opening was undeniably strong. New song “California” was all powering bass drums, smooth organs and syncopated strobes. It really showcased Frank’s knack for the emotional, suggesting that his upcoming sophomore album could take his style to new anthemic heights. A grooving rendition of nostalgiaULTRA hit “Novocaine” followed, live performance breathing new life into an already excellent song. However, these two songs were the show’s peak. Mostly mumbling into his microphone between songs, Ocean was visibly uncomfortable on stage. The music was near CD quality but Frank’s lack of showmanship really prevented the performance from feeling like anything more than a particularly flashy listening party. “Super Rich Kids” should have exploded but instead revealed how easily his music can fall from enthrallingly understated to simply a bit boring.

The crowd screamed regardless, ecstatic to finally see their idol in the flesh. Because this exactly the kind of relationship Frank Ocean has with his fans. The auditorium was full of voices singing back every line of every song; Ocean even relinquished his part in an a capella version of “Swim Good” to let the crowd sing the whole song for him. Every moment of direct contact between performer and audience – no matter how mumbled – was met by a mass of excited screams. However, this was as interactive as the night got.

The real issue here is the hype. With all the Grammy’s, big name endorsements and critical acclaim, it’s easy to forget that Ocean is a young man at the beginning of his career. Following somewhat premature comparisons to greats such as Stevie Wonder, it’s almost impossible not to be disappointed by the reality of an ambitious young man touring his debut album. Ending on the anti-climax that was an acoustic rendition of “Wiseman”, I certainly found myself coming to the realisation that Ocean still has much to learn.

Perhaps the next tour will be better.

 

 

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