Tom A Smith’s show this evening in Manchester’s best small venue felt like the end of something. Sunderland’s worst kept secret has been steadily honing his craft for over a decade, and those fortunate enough to have seen him play over the years will attest to the growing maturity in both his songwriting and stage presence.  Delivering a set of almost entirely new material speaks to a cycle of reinvention that is bewildering.  Only “Little Bits” and “Toronto”, originally written in homage to the sound of 80’s Manchester and tonight featuring a guest appearance from Rowetta, remain in tonight’s show compared to just 2 years ago.

Like a shark sensing prey, Tom seems to have been steadily building momentum towards success, slowly circling but now accelerating and closing in with a laser focus.  Whether it’s the confidence gained from a first SXSW appearance, a budding film career or his recent signing to Fiction records, the blood’s in the water and he now looks unstoppable. The material played tonight highlighted this, drawing on 2025’s EP Say What You Want which showcased a more muscular feel to the music, while new single SFX/Let’s Go Dancing shows he’s not lost any of his wit or sensitivity as a writer.  It’s a confident and cohesive set of songs that he’s bringing forward on this tour, and probably the best set I’ve seen him play.

But it’s not just the quality and conviction of the new songs which build the belief that this is the time for Tom to go for the kill.  It’s on-stage that Tom and band are at their best, and this evening Tom is assured, confident and has the room in the palm of his hand.  Whether it’s the playful and somewhat brash character of “SFX”, or in the raw vulnerability of closer “The Band”, he commits to each song fully.  He’s a real showman with a repertoire of moves that somehow channels James Brown AND Ian Curtis, but it feels genuine and real and honest and is reciprocated by the love and energy rolling back to the stage.

So it does feel like the end of something tonight and it’s bittersweet.  I doubt we’ll see him at the Deaf Institute again. He’s at the tipping point where – if there is any justice – Tom’s talent and commitment will finally be rewarded and he’ll find the audience he deserves.