July's Gigs: Reviewed
Low-key and chilled.
A quieter month this month. Still, I’ve started doing monthly gig reviews so I had better carry on writing them or else society as we know it might collapse.
8th July - Fundraiser for Palestine - The Bicycle Shop, Norwich
A great little cellar-venue. I saw about ten artists/poets all taking the little stage for about 10 minutes or so. I can’t tell you about the individual artists because I didn’t take their names but I can at least remind myself that going out, even on a school night, is worth it. Always a joy to discover humble talent in the form of Pedro Danger. Check him out here:
Overall night rating: Got to catch up with a mate and see some lovely music. All for a good cause too. ⍟⍟⍟⍟
20th July - Open Mic Night - That Little Norfolk Studio, Wymondham
Not officially a gig night but way more nerve-wracking and journal-worthy. I played a couple of open-mic nights in my twenties but I’ve wanted to dip my toe back in the water. I was bricking it beforehand but felt comfortable and happy when I started playing. They were songs I wrote myself, that I had practised a bazillion times, so I felt like it went well. I was inspired by Kae Tempest’s book, On Connection, which talked about the importance of art being reciprocal. Why write and practise songs if I’m not going to share them? Anyway, I might well go for it again. Watch this space, Norwich!
Overall night rating: Memorable, and very glad I did it, but it was quiet and there were a couple of artists who just did uninspiring covers. ⍟⍟⍟
26th July - The Klittens, Norwich Arts Centre
Arthur Black opened up the night and they blew me away. They’re usually a four-piece I think but they played a gorgeous acoustic set, which highlighted their skill, creativity and song-writing ability. Will be looking out for them to play again! ⍟⍟⍟⍟⍟
The Ziggurats were uninspiring. Or at least they were to me. They couldn’t really sing, play their instruments very well, or write captivating songs. ⍟
The Klittens are from Netherlands and have a cool, accessible vibe about them. They write catchy indie-punk songs which contain plenty of hooks. Great timing as a band and particularly great lead guitarist. ⍟⍟⍟⍟
Overall night rating: The second support band dropped the night by a star and it was a shame to see the venue only half full. How does an international band make money?! ⍟⍟⍟
That’s the gigs done. Off to Wild Fields Festival in a couple of weeks, which I’m very much looking forward to. Yesterday, I wrote a little piece about the disappearance of bands in popular music. Check it out here if you fancy:
My weekly Recent and Decent playlist out on Sunday night. Till then, let me know if you’ve seen anyone good recently! Peace.
Did I mention I went to Truck? 😂
Such a fabulous weekend and a great mix of relatively well known artists and new finds. Alice SK was a new name for me with a great voice, Cheerbleederz were a lot of fun and, having seen them at Truck two years ago, Been Stellar really impressed.
On the main stage I will never stop talking about how much I loved the Idles and Declan McKenna sets. I was also really pleased to see Wet Leg and The Streets for the first time.
86TVs get better every time I see them and it was a really special moment getting to see The Magic Gang bow out - lump in the throat time!
Oh, and everyone should check out Black Honey. I love them. They never disappoint!