Tom A. Smith made another strong case for his ever growing star-power, radiating a larger-than-life presence for his show at Deaf Institute, Manchester.

Some performers take time to settle; Tom commanded the room instantly, animating the space with a purposeful energy that felt equal parts confidence and positivity. There was nothing brooding about him — instead, he projected a natural charisma, punctuated by a rock star’s grin that never felt forced.

Dressed in a polka-dot shirt with suspenders, he embodied his own unique, enigmatic personality: playful, self-aware, and effortlessly cool.

It’s the sort of look that suggests someone who doesn’t take themselves too seriously — yet his stage presence was undeniably serious business.

Carrying a swagger rarely seen in artists so early in their career, moving with the assurance of someone who knows exactly where they’re headed.

The newest single “SFX” landed to an exceptional reception, further cementing his versatility and talent. The track slotted seamlessly into the set, showcasing not just songwriting depth but an ability to shift moods without losing cohesion — a hallmark of artists far beyond their years.

It’s rare to describe someone as the “complete article” so early on, but anything less would feel insincere here. For Tom A. Smith, the sky isn’t the limit — it’s merely the starting point.

His journey so far, playing major stages and rubbing shoulders with artists considerably older yet regarded as peers, feels reminiscent of Declan McKenna — wise, assured, and startlingly accomplished for his age.

If further evidence were needed, the appearance of Rowetta of the Happy Mondays during “Toronto” provided it. The crowd responded in kind, and the moment doubled as a teaser for the title track of his upcoming EP “Put On A Record Tommy” on which she features — a collaboration that hints at the scale of Tom’s ambitions.

He closed his set with another song from the forthcoming EP, always a gamble with unfamiliar material, but this one paid off emphatically. Powerful and cascading, it built into a stupendous crescendo that served as the perfect finale.

A bold choice, and the ideal end to a fantastic set that confirmed Tom A. Smith as one of the most compelling young performers currently emerging.