Medium Build at Camden Assembly, London

In the cozy confines of Camden Assembly, surrounded by dim lights and die-hard fans, Medium Build delivered an acoustic set that felt more like a heartfelt gathering than a traditional gig. The energy in the room was intimate, familiar, as if everyone knew each other, or at least shared the same deep connection to the music. It was the perfect send-off before Medium Build continues on to bigger stages in London and Dublin, opening for rising star Alex Warren.

But here, it was all about Nick.

Armed with just two guitars and his signature emotional honesty, Nick held the room with a stage presence like no other. In these stripped-back shows, there’s nowhere to hide and he doesn’t want to. Instead, he leans in, tells stories like you’re two drinks deep on a quiet night with an old friend (non-alcoholic, of course), and engages in dialogue with fans like they’re part of the show, because in a way, they are.

The set was a blend of the past and what’s to come. Much of the night’s material was new songs written during a rare two-month break from touring. Nick spoke about how thrilling it’s been to craft this show from the ground up and shape a new era of Medium Build. Each song came with a story, and each story with all the messy, beautiful details.  Whether it was running into an ex in Shoreditch (yes, that became a song) or “Balance,” a poignant new track he co-wrote with an old friend, someone he used to make music with under Medium Build. After reconnecting recently, the two bonded over shared struggles and the resilience it takes to keep going. The result is a song full of weight and warmth, about surviving hard things and finding steadiness in the chaos, a perfect reflection of where Nick seems to be now. 

But older favorites sparked the most audible reactions: the crowd sang every word to “Crying Over U,” “White Male Privilege,” and “In My Room” with the kind of passion you only get from a room full of true fans. It felt communal, cathartic.

He also treated the crowd to the stunning “Knowing U Exist” a moment of pure vulnerability that stilled the room.

In true Medium Build fashion, the show had its endearing imperfections, too. Right at the start, Nick realized he’d forgotten the setlist. When his manager finally handed it to him, someone in the crowd immediately asked if they could gift it to their wife for her birthday. Without missing a beat, Nick said yes, snapped a photo of it on his phone, and carried on. That kind of spontaneous, generous spirit set the tone for the whole evening.

Between songs, Nick reflected on his time in London vacationing here in May, falling in love with the city, and his deep appreciation for the UK and its people. It’s clear this place means something to him, and judging by the crowd’s response, the feeling is mutual.

This wasn’t just a concert, it was a conversation, a storytelling session, and a mutual exhale. Medium Build doesn’t just perform; he connects. And on this night in Camden, he reminded everyone just how powerful that can be.

Words and Photos by Barny I.