May Reviewed

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

My monthly round-up of musical musicness. As always let me know if there’s an album/song/live act you’d recommend!

Albums I Enjoyed in May

I haven’t found loads of amazing albums this month so do keep sending me your recommendations!

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Songs I’ve Shared in May

Make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss any playlists and their silly, amateurish descriptions. Plus you’ll find links to all the songs because I’m kind like that.

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Artists I’ve Seen in May

1st - ReWork Leonard Cohen at The Holloway

Yeazt - Quirky, humorous, catchy and bold. A one-woman show with a drum machine, a guitar and a great voice. Will try to catch her again at Rose Fest in July. ⍟⍟⍟

The Widows - Technically masterful and very groovy. A bit like The Coral but with more guitar solos. I loved the Leonard Cohen renditions too. There was a magical moment when Thomas Beaney (of Tiger Night) popped on stage to shout-sing his way through Hallelujah and it was glorious. ⍟⍟⍟⍟

Bore Joysey - A superb folky act with harmonies to die for. I don’t think I’ve used this word for a while but they were splendid. They draw you in with their humility and friendliness and you stay for the beautiful music. ⍟⍟⍟⍟

8th - Deerhoof at Norwich Arts Centre

Gimic - Fantastic performance from Bristolian punk band. I loved the hypnotic, prowling sway of the lead singer, which was accompanied by cathartic screams. The musicians all nailed their parts too with a scientific accuracy you don’t always see in a band so loud. A careful demolition. ⍟⍟⍟⍟

Deerhoof - Out of this world. Literally. It felt cosmic. As if all the genres and all the sounds from all generations across all the planets have converged to one point. It was mind-boggingly brilliant. Immersive and special. Tight and loose. Short and long. Wacky and thoughtful. Everything and anything. ⍟⍟⍟⍟⍟

18th Band Night at the Norwich and Norfolk Festival

I didn’t stay for the whole night because I slept terribly the night before but there is definitely something in seeing a couple of bands start promptly at 7pm, one after the other, and then leaving at 9pm, in time for bed at 9:30pm. Call me a grumpy old git but I think I would pay a premium if that could always be insured. Anyway, these nights are always great. Taking place in a visiting circus tent on a Monday night after grabbing a curry and a pint it starts off well before an instrument is even played.

LFAY - LFAY’s music is a sweet amalgamation of jazz, soul and hip-hop and I love her style and delivery. There is also something refreshing about her humility, especially when she possesses such an excellent vocal performance. Add to that her frankly brilliant band, and it really is something special. Great synergy, skills and freedom amongst them all but a particular nod must go to the saxophonist who was so talented, that he seemed to flutter about whenever and however he felt like it. ⍟⍟⍟⍟

Mama Oh No - I only caught this lot a couple of weeks back but it was even more enjoyable than last time. Maybe it was the giant circus tent and the act of Monday night rebellion. But it was probably mainly because they owned the stage. Jack’s voice once again filled the room, the guitars were fuzzier and louder than before, and the three lady-folk, Tordi, Issy and Rhi, all confidently back him up with a tangible professionalism. Wonderful, versatile garage-rock. Perfect for the beach, a grubby ballroom or a deserted theme park. ⍟⍟⍟⍟

27th La Sécurité at Voodoo Daddys

Decent Wrestlers - Not my bag but the two mates I was with loved it. They do that American whiiiiiine that gets to me, like they’re writing a song for The OC or American Pie. They’re from Norwich and should own it. Still, I liked it when the guitarist shredded his guitar like a man possessed and also rubbed his guitar up against the roof. And for a band of two, they do make a lot of noise, which I usually love. Just not in this case. ⍟⍟

The Aide - Well, I really loved this lot. One of my mates didn’t. Why are they always wrong? They were individually brilliant at their instruments and the prominent bass propelled me through their funky riffs. I thought the singer expressed a wilderness like the lead singer/drummer from Squid. And there was a slight unpredictability in their songs that kept me hooked. Will definitely catch them again. ⍟⍟⍟⍟

La Sécurité - Holy moly. My new favourite band. Insanely catchy, insanely captivating. The set-up, the style, the occasional nonchalance spliced with frenzied dynamism, the phenomenal drums, the weird dancing, the moment when three of them were shaking shaky things, the moment when the bassist went into the crowd to shout for ‘one more song’... it was glorious. No gimmicks. Just skills. ⍟⍟⍟⍟⍟

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Coming Up in June

I’m interviewing Simon Williams of Fierce Panda fame on Friday as part of a musically-themed book launch. Local people: find tickets here! I’m sure I’ll see a few other bits and pieces too. Let’s find out shall we?!

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