January's Gigs: Reviewed
A glorious start to the year
I’m kind of living the dream, really. I got invited to review a gig at the wonderful Norwich Puppet Theatre so, naturally, I jumped at the chance. Watch live music and write about it? You betcha.
This year I thought it’d be nice to actually embed a song from each artist into the write-up. Nothing beats actually seeing them live, of course, but maybe a review and an accompanying song will be the nudge you need to see them! Let’s find out shall we?
16th January - Langkamar - Norwich Arts Centre
Phoebe Troup I do like Phoebe’s songs but some of her band don’t seem to enjoy themselves - like they were going through the motions a bit. So many of the things I love about live music weren’t present. Phoebe herself loosened up since last time I saw her live but although her confidence improved, the band weren’t dynamic or even that invested. I still look forward to hearing their new record but it is one of those rare occasions where I rather listen to their record than see them live. ⍟⍟
Langkamar I thought they were great. They were happy, they were good at their instruments, their songs are sweet and captivating, varied and sincere. Seeing men sing together is a joyous thing to watch. Combined with songs about mountains, rivers and skies, I was completely sold. My mate who I went with didn’t like the lead singer’s talky-sing voice but he’s wrong so that’s fine. ⍟⍟⍟⍟
Saturday 25th January - Ben Auld - Norwich Puppet Theatre
First up, thank you to Norwich Puppet Theatre for inviting me to this night. What a treat. The venue itself is beautiful, quirky and atmospheric. For a unique experience, get yourself down there!
Also, shout-out to the incredible Madeline Townsend for the amazing photos!
Janani.fx creates immersive electric sounds, often with big beats and catchy rhythms. There isn’t really a genre that describes each song. It isn’t quite hip hop, or dance. I guess it’s somewhere in between. And I love that about her. She’s nonconformist but interesting, she’s non-traditional but instead modern. She had a shy and awkward persona at times but would also lose her inhibitions and dance freely. Ultimately, it was clear that she uses music to express herself and it was infectious and endearing to watch. Already booked tickets to see her again! ****
Yer Blooze I would maybe describe them as acoustic grunge? The lead-singer, Dylan, is clearly a skilled songwriter and immerses themselves in the process. Backed up with a band (including a rather fabulous double bass and accordion), there were plenty of sounds to listen to and appreciate. Some pleasant and harmonious, some discordant and challenging. Maybe the emotions of some of the more intimate songs were lost in a big auditorium and maybe Dylan’s voice is not typically, obviously and consistently pleasing. But that’s personal preference. One cannot deny their authenticity and dedication to art. ***
Ben Auld Well, it wasn’t for me. I found the combination of the soft Americanised vocals and the whizzy, heavily distorted guitar solos a bit jarring. The clash of sounds resulted in something closer to an improv session. He and his backing musicians were talented, for sure; his fluid guitar playing was especially impressive. But I found the direction of his music confusing. The lyrics and the sounds were both expressive and experimental but I felt like they were painting different emotions. Again though, there were plenty of people who were enjoying themselves so maybe it was just me. **
You know, if the music isn’t to your taste, it’s still worth experiencing live music. I didn’t especially like Ben Auld’s music, for instance, but I’m glad I saw them, and am grateful that they gave up their time to share their passion. Plus, I was out, I was with friends, I was experiencing something new. Isn’t that what life is about?!
Wednesday 29th January - The Lounge Society - Voodoo Daddys
Wazlo What a glorious start to the night. They didn’t take themselves too seriously and clearly had the intention of enjoying themselves. In my experience, that’s a pretty reliable way of getting the audience to enjoy themselves too. The lead singer, Eli, had a voice that could have featured in many noughties indie bands (I’m thinking Jet, Razorlight, Fratellis) but the song-writing was less prescriptive, less serious and altogether unpredictable. He describes his music as Budget Beach Boys but although there were plenty of 60s rock-and-roll influences, the songs about being a bird, Oh To Be (A Bird), the song about his mate’s cat, Pingu!, and the song about a modern, alternative kind of love, Emo Waltz #2, gave the genre a fresh interpretation. The kind of music you’d get if you whizzed up Chuck Berry, Elvis Presley and Brian Wilson in a Gen Z smoothie maker. *****
Chest I concur with the BBC Introducing’s conclusion that Chest are “One to watch.” Any genre used to describe their sound (by me at least) is a bit misleading. Even streaming their music doesn’t quite do the job either. One needs to watch them to fully embrace their music. You need to watch the lead singer dance and swagger, and you need to watch the three guitarists get lost in their own worlds and then pulsate together as one. The lead guitarist was particularly excellent. Speaking briefly with him after the gig and sharing my admiration of him, he humbly pointed out that guitar playing is as much about what you do with your feet as it is with your hands. His dozen effect-pedals testify to this. Would definitely watch them again. ****
The Lounge Society They took to the stage with an authority that comes with 5 years of playing live together. They engaged with the crowd, sometimes breaking the fourth wall in between songs, and took great delight in feeding off each other, performing a few sexy guitar dances together. You know that thing where guitars almost kiss? Yeah, that. I liked that each instrument was given attention. The bassist (also the lead singer) had a song with a gorgeous looping bass line (Valencia) and the drummer had about 30 seconds to introduce one of the songs with a catchy, unique fill. It was all just really solid. ***
Friday 31st January - KEG - Voodoo Daddys
FEASTS I love them. There is something so life-affirming about their sound. I’ve said so much about them before, having seen them 3 or 4 times last year, and yet there is still so much to say. They somehow sonically project the chaotic, destructive and joyful nature of our world and our brains. It really was glorious. *****
Y I chucked on their only Spotify single in my Recent and Decent playlist yesterday. The live set was bouncy and noisy, and was the perfect step from FEASTS to Keg. Mark my words, they’ll be playing with Fat Dog soon and filling up a festival stage near you in the very near future. How lucky to see them in a small independent venue before they blow up! ****
KEG The lead singer, Albert, is an amazing front man, and dances round the stage, with an unabashed fluidity. He’s surrounded on all flanks by 6 other incredibly talented musicians, and together they enthral. Importantly, along with the amazing guitars, trombone, and vocal performances, the songs are brilliantly constructed. Almost every song starts with flats, sharps and slow tempos but end in joy. Every song a story, and this band are wonderful storytellers. *****
Sign off
Well, that was all rather self-indulgent of me. I think next time, I’ll just write up reviews of my favourites. Otherwise it takes bloody ages!
February includes Fat Dog, Yama Warashi, Sun Sun and the Blue Blue, and, tomorrow, Hayden Thorpe!
Any one else got any live music plans for the month? Or do you have your eye on some tickets? Please do share!