Gig Review: Native James @ Exchange 11th Nov 2025

Credit: Caitlyn Knight (@caitlynknightportfolio)

Upon his EP’s recent release, Native James has gained a reputation amongst the rap-metal scene as a definite leading successor amongst up and coming artists. After a successful stint in London supporting the pre-established, ‘Letlive.’ he has released his new EP entitled, ‘CONFESSIONS OF A SINNER’; a release that has been extremely well received by critics and fans alike.

On the 11th of November I took a trip to the Exchange Basement; a place I unintentionally frequently visit. My expectations were admittedly neautral, as I often attend the Exchange Basement for local bands and I hadn’t heard much of James' music, but knew that he had supported a band of which I have followed for years titled, ‘Letlive.’ of which I was a big fan of. Upon entering the venue, I immediately was greeted with fans queuing outside the door for the sold out show. This held me with a forth-coming impression that although I was not one to speak of his repertoire, he had an undeniably dedicated fanbase, and this accompanied with whispers of debate over what his setlist would entail left me with the knowledge that I was in for something worth waiting for.

Through my times of attending gigs at the Basement, never had I seen eagerness of this stature with fans discussing what was to come, so this immediately highlighted this gig of importance to me before it had even begun. When the lights signalled the beginning the crowd lit up. And when Native James got on stage, he paced with the strength and the energy of someone who could sprint headfirst through a wall.

In a room barely big enough to hold his sound, James brought the sold out show to what can be described as an uncontrolled chaos. The crowd was filled of knowing fans eager to hear both his well-known and less rehearsed tunes.

Genre blending can be done either excellently, or with just enough slack to completely fall off, in my opinion. Saying that, ‘CONFESSIONS OF A SINNER’ is a dangerous but exceptionally well executed piece of work. A particular song to note, ‘YOU’RE NOTHING’ made the crowd go absolutely mental. Already at this point in the show sweat was dripping off the walls and everyone was breathing heavily from a mixture of everyone’s close proximity and passionate movement to the music- which I can safely say was resonating with each and every audience member from the front to the back. After each song I saw fans looking to one another for validation of their need to re-gain their breath and attempts to cool their temperature.

James has confirmed a place at 2000 Trees and Download for next year; after the show I witnessed I will say I will be clearing my schedule to make an appearance at whichever I end up attending. The energy of the crowd made you so much more invested in both the music and the performance. It felt more-so a community than a room filled with strangers, through the apparent connection each individual had with the music which filled the room, as people shouted remarks guessing each song before they had even begun.

His delivery immediately set a tone that felt strangely intimate for how loud it was. As I attempted to take photos of him and the band, I could barely hold my camera steady without getting jolted into the PA by a fan: one of which ended up stepping up onto that same speaker nearing the end of the show, and James encouraged this with strikingly no interruption from the venue’s staff. I think the personal tone was very well built upon by being a show in the basement, as the stage is somewhat just an idea of the difference between the audience and the artist.

I must admit, I really was taken aback from seeing the basement in such a frenzy. I have been to plenty of gigs at this venue (mainroom and basement) and have never seen such energy from a crowd there. James added to the crowd’s chaos by joining in with moshpits and I made note of the fact that I saw sweat flying off his head multiple times into the crowd. I can say his stage presence is not one which falters; and I can see why he has had so much traction recently.

Personally, I think Native James is doing an exceptional job at what he is attempting to create and none of his efforts have faltered. Upon properly delving into his EP; both the highs and lows are not only an enjoyable escape from mainstream music and its inescapable pop-drowned culture but also an exploration of his Jamaican heritage, accompanied by his apparent knack for creating head-bouncing rap-metal tunes. Overall, ‘Confessions of a Sinner’ really did it for me as a piece of work. With the introductory track ‘RAISE THE ALARM’ he effectively edges the listener into this sort of world of which James has created: utilising brutal soundscapes which emulate the very human feelings of fear, anger and sympathy.

An obvious one to note is ‘YOU’RE NOTHING’ which is arguably the EP’s fighting lead; a deviously harsh tune which in my opinion is the gateway introductory song for new listeners, as it effectively rounds off the collection of tracks and gives the listener a sort of reassurance that they know exactly who Native James is, and what he will bring to a live show. Another track which stands out as of particular importance to me when examining James’ aesthetic as an artist is, ‘GTFU’. It feels like an informed letter to his audience to assure them that he is as he presents: high energy, maximum commitment and putting his all into his music. He secures his status as a part of the genre-bending community with a meaningful presence which holds place after you have listened to it. His non-conformative approach to the metal scene is both respectable and admirable, and I genuinely look forward to what is to come from him based on his recent endeavours.