October Reviewed
My monthly round-up of albums, songs, gigs and posts.
It’s all got a bit busy of late and it’s so nice to have you guys along for the ride. This is my monthly recap but really what I want more than anything is for you to tell me your highlights. Are there any albums, tracks or gigs I should check out? Whilst you’re thinking of recommendations, here are mine… Plus a couple of BONUS PLAYLISTS!
Albums I’ve Enjoyed in October
Songs I’ve Shared in October
Once again, Chris has shared half of these (thanks again) but isn’t it amazing that it is well within our capacity to share a new music every day!? There is so much great stuff out there!
Anyway, this seems like an opportune moment to share with you a couple of extra playlists. At the beginning of the month, I hosted the brilliant Janani.fx for my Diving Deep Gig. Read about it here, if you fancy. I meant to share the playlists that she and I made for the event but I forgot. So here they are.
They don’t necessarily feature new music, but the gig was very recent so I think it’s still worth sharing. Her playlist is of music that has inspired her. Mine is a more general Women of Colour playlist. I hope you like them!
Janani.fx’s DJ Playlist for Diving Deep Gig
My Women of Colour Playlist for Diving Deep Gig
Artists I’ve Seen in October
3rd October - Bag of Cans - Norwich Arts Centre
The Caterpillar Spies
A great pop folk band from Hull. There were five of them present - usually seven. I immediately liked them when they introduced themselves, playfully pointing out that the ‘one’ with the really good voice couldn’t be there so ‘F*ck ‘em.’ Their sound was quirky, and bouncy without being sickly. I particularly liked how they didn’t shy away from instrumentals and cyclical guitar playing, allowing people to really get their groove on. Lovely stuff. ⍟⍟⍟⍟
Gabby Rivers
I can’t quite get into G.R, I’m afraid. To me, her exuberant energy came across as slightly disingenuous. How could she keep bounding up and down the stage when her songs were otherwise pretty formulaic and predictable? She said she wanted to be a rock star and, in all honestly, that desperation came through a bit. Still, if you’re into that sort of pop-rock thing, and some people definitely were, then go for it. ⍟⍟
Bag of Cans
Bag of Cans manage to make fun music, and be funny on stage, but their skill, song-writing and vision are no joke. They make perfect post-punk songs that are as edgy as they are whimsical and as chaotic as they are polished. They really know what they are doing, even if they give the impression that they don’t. I really love their tongue-in-cheek lyrics because if you can’t laugh at carbon monoxide alarms and washing machines then, frankly, you need to get to more gigs. ⍟⍟⍟⍟
9th October - Janani.fx - The Holloway
On the 9th October, I put together my second ever Diving Deep gig and you can read about it here! Janani and Kira were both 5 stars! ⍟⍟⍟⍟⍟
16th-18th October - Wild Paths Festival - Multiple Venues
This really was an incredible festival, showing Norwich at its absolute best. I interviewed a few bands beforehand so if you want to know more about some of the amazing local acts, then check out this link. Otherwise, keep reading to condensed reviews of the bands I managed to see!
Anolah & The Bonez
Funky and soulful, sometimes dark - perfectly matching their name. There was plenty of smooth bass, Winehouse vocals and captivating drums. For a band so young, there was a great deal of maturity and confidence. ⍟⍟⍟⍟
Maple Ward
Vocally, her music was intimate and beautiful. Structurally, her songs were ambitious and harmonious. A real find. ⍟⍟⍟⍟⍟
Sam Eagle
A talented and likeable artist with a voice way beyond his years, sounding very much like Hayden Thorpe. His spread of genres and wonderful, versatile guitar-playing means I think many different people will enjoy his music. ⍟⍟⍟
The Pill
Le Tigre reincarnated. Spunky, punky post punk. What made them particularly compelling was their few bits of choreography, their humour and their crowd interaction. They were clearly enjoying themselves and we were right there with them. ⍟⍟⍟⍟
Getdown Services
I so desperately wanted to see these guys and they lived up to every expectation. Stupid, joyous, fun, expressive. In a big old church. Incredible. ⍟⍟⍟⍟⍟
Damp Matches
Helena might have the best voice in rock. Powerful and versatile, backed up by expressive and dramatic guitars and drums. Norwich can be proud of yet another excellent band! ⍟⍟⍟⍟⍟
Home Counties
Bouncy, dancey, electric, wonderful, angular indie post-punk. What a party! ⍟⍟⍟⍟⍟
Aphra
A moment to treasure. I saw them in Octagon Chapel and the acoustics of the place perfectly complemented their sincere song-writing, the harmonies and the saxophone. Tender and lovely. ⍟⍟⍟⍟
Nina Arya
I’m always impressed by the vocal dexterity of jazz/RnB singers. She had impressive control, confident delivery, and was backed up by an impressive, large band. ⍟⍟⍟
21st October - Heavy Lungs - The Waterfront
Joe and the Shitboys
The headliner was actually Heavy Lungs, who I unfortunately couldn’t see owing to my pounding headache before the night even began. I still managed to see Joe and the Shitboys before calling it a night. No regrets! They were explosive, riotous, funny and passionate. There was plenty of anger and love. Often within in seconds of each other. It was confusing in the best way. Perhaps this is illustrated best by the last lyric of Fuck Everybody: “Fuck all of you cock sucking, mother fuckers out there, We love you so very much.” ⍟⍟⍟⍟
Posts I’ve Sent Out in October
Obviously, I’ve sent out my weekly Recent and Decent playlists but I’m really happy with the witchy playlist I shared a few days ago. Feel free to check it out here:
Also, if anyone wants to get rid of Spotify, I’ve documented my journey here (currently I’m sticking with Tidal):
Coming Up in November
This month, I’m definitely seeing at least Saya Gray, Damp Matches and Benefits.
But the gig that will take over my life for a little bit is Squat Lobster on 27th November; my third Diving Deep With gig! I can’t wait to host these guys. It’s going to be a great night. If there any local people who want a crackin’ night out, check out the tickets here!
Anyway, as I said, do let me know what you’re up to! Have a great month!