Although Sombr has been releasing music since 2021, his level of recognition has increased in the last year.
Thanks to breakout songs like the melancholic 'Back To Friends' and the captivating '12 To 12', which have both become practically ubiquitous on TikTok and youth-driven radio playlists, his debut album, 2025's 'I Barely Know Her', has experienced a surge in popularity, especially among younger listeners.
His opener for last night's performance (4 December) was Newcastle's dust, with an unexpectedly captivating fusion of Pierce The Veil's emotional sweep and Bullet For My Valentine-style heaviness, all infused with an indie shimmer.
Tight, vivacious, and remarkably crowd-aware, their set effortlessly warmed the room and set the stage for Sombr without taking centre stage.
The atmosphere changed the moment Sombr came outside. One of the most intriguing aspects of his live presence is his relationship with his fans, many of whom are younger. It could have created an odd imbalance to perform at a partially 18-plus event, but he handled it with amazing grace.
He encouraged dancing, singing, and full-body participation from those who came prepared to worship him as well as from the parents, partners, and tag-alongs who were just there for the ride. His interactions with the crowd felt inclusive without being patronising.
Sombr exudes a classic theatrical charm while performing. His performance occasionally evoked the flamboyant grandeur of Queen or the hip-shaking magnetism of Elvis, combined with the modern, emotive delivery of someone like Benson Boone.
In an environment where the pop-boy lane feels oddly empty, particularly since Harry Styles stopped touring, Sombr appears committed to filling that gap. His attire, his movements, and the purposeful sense of spectacle all suggest he is a musician who carefully considers both the appearance and the sound of his music.
This vision was furthered by the staging. His set featured warm wood tones, amber lighting, and splashes of patterned colour, all reminiscent of home décor from the 1970s.
The effect was reminiscent of Blossoms' nostalgic palettes and the intimate domesticity of The 1975's recent tour design. It was like being invited into a stylised living room that just so happened to be big enough for a few hundred people; it was both theatrical and private at the same time. Climbing onto a desk, relaxing in a chair, and utilising the area as a tangible extension of the narratives in his songs, Sombr moved through it with ease.
Beyond the spectacle and sing-alongs, Sombr's vulnerability was one of the most remarkable aspects of the evening. He stopped midway through the performance to discuss the past year's chaos and how strange it was to see songs he wrote in his bedroom go all over the world.
The silence in the room was earned rather than imposed. It served as a reminder that beneath the charisma and theatricality lies an artist who is still figuring out how to keep up with his own ascent.
That candid moment grounded the high-energy performance in something genuine and intimate, adding a layer of intimacy that enhanced the remainder of the performance.
The crowd's reaction peaked during the big singles, which was not surprising. 'Back To Friends', '12 To 12', and 'Undressed' – three songs that have dominated social media for months – caused a frenzy that was akin to a scaled-down Taylor Swift moment.
Even those who attended purely out of duty seemed to know every word of these songs, which have become cultural wallpaper. By taking advantage of this familiarity, Sombr transformed the space into a cohesive choir of voices. It was evidence of his increasing prominence as well as his talent for turning viral success into live electricity.
By night's end, Sombr had shown why his climb had seemed so quick. He is a performer with a vision, a growing fan base, and the unique ability to create an intimate yet thrilling atmosphere in a medium-sized venue.
If the previous year was his breakthrough, last night's performance revealed something even more important: he's just getting started.
