February Reviewed

My monthly round-up of albums, songs and gigs.

Hey all. Here’s my little round-up of what was quite a big month. Hopefully there’s something you like! Let me know if there’s an album/song/live act you’d recommend!

Albums I Enjoyed in February

I really enjoyed 8 albums this month. I honestly couldn’t pick from this bunch. Not yet, anyway. Maybe one day, when I’m feeling brave.

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Songs I’ve Shared in February

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Artists I’ve Seen in February

4th February - Stealing Sheep, Norwich Arts Centre

Janani.fx

Brilliant as always. A mesmeric performance delivered with her trademark authenticity. She seemed to get lost in the rhythm whilst I got lost in the bass. Loved it. ⍟⍟⍟⍟

Stealing Sheep

This will take some beating. I absolutely love their most recent album but I wasn’t expecting their performance of it to be THIS good! There were costume changes including inflatable chests, flashing umbrellas and cowboy hats, the set featured a giant embroidered nipple pillow and a trophy with the words Don’t Think, Just Do, there were synchronised dances and lots of interesting electronic musical instruments including a massive foot piano. Amazing. ⍟⍟⍟⍟⍟

7th February - Diving Deep with Eliza Delf & The Wilderness, The Holloway

This was the fifth gig that I have organised and it will long live in the memory. Here’s a really lovely review from Outline Magazine, reviewing music in much better ways than I ever could.

Simon Foerster

A mesmerising, intimate and unique experience. Simon is a talented improv musician who busted out the japanese flute, trumpet and harp. The harp, especially, was magical. What a treat. ⍟⍟⍟⍟⍟

Eliza Delf & The Wilderness

Eliza and the gang absolutely nailed their set. She was a passionate, engaging performer and singer, whilst her band all added something significant to the overall sound. It sounds simple but their songs are wonderful, with a great degree of variety in length, style and complexity. When great songs are delivered authentically, it is always going to be good. A wonderful performance.⍟⍟⍟⍟⍟

14th February - Langkamer, Norwich Arts Centre

Jaded Teeth

Solid start to the night. As a young band, they had a bit of grit and sass, a few interesting ideas and a rather impressive amount of talent. They didn’t blow me away but they have lots of potential. ⍟⍟⍟

Baggio

A 9-piece band with charisma and rapport but, again, they didn’t blow me away. The bassist was quite spectacular and there was a violinist who I wish we could hear more from. Generally good - they had a decent 7 minute song - but I wish their ideas were bolder. ⍟⍟⍟

Langkamer

There is something so warming and unifying when a bunch of musicians all sing together and Langkamer do this so well. I love their 4-part harmonies and they have a tightness and strength that comes with experience. They are technically solid, and their songs are big and beautiful. ⍟⍟⍟⍟

20th February - Ravenous Hounds Album Release Party 2, The Holloway

Tiger night

Scrappy has hell, as predicted, but certainly entertaining. He wrote a few songs especially for the show, which was a bit mad. He also included a couple of covers including ending his set with Dolly Parton’s Stand By Your Man. A one-man band playing two drums and electric guitar shouting Dolly Parton? Yes please. ⍟⍟⍟

Michael Winner’s Incredible Bingo Band

A last minute fill-in so I had no chance to do background research. I certainly wasn’t expecting a one-man DJ with a host of fancy gadgets, not with a name like that. The music was funky, eclectic and would have been more enjoyable if it had not been for every bloody fucker talking throughout. A bit more stage presence would have helped too. ⍟⍟

Ravenous Hounds

I wanted to check these guys out because I really like their debut record, full of hooks, bass and grit. They were stonking. Powerful rock delivered with dynamism, aggression and authenticity; the lead singer often venturing into the crowd to whip up some movement. Unfortunately, the sound engineer didn’t balance it all that well. Their guitars were a bit of a wash and the singer’s mic was too low. Not to take anything away from their song-writing and energy. I would definitely see them again. ⍟⍟⍟⍟

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Coming Up in March

I am not entirely sure what I’m doing in March. Even less idea than usual. But I think, possibly, I’ll see Congratulations, Narcolepsy, Kulk, Magnolia, Alexander Carson and bunch of others. Let’s just see shall we?

Do let me know what you’re up to! Speak soon!