Live – Freya Beer | Miler | NYSSA at The Prince Albert

Freya Beer, Miler & NYSSA at The Prince Albert, Brighton, 28th May 2025

Beating the midweek slump, a trip to The Albert for the latest music showcase from Hidden Herd / Crafting Room was a welcome distraction. A strong start from Toronto singer-songwriter NYSSA with some deep tones to her voice reminiscent of the Patti Smith / Marianne Faithfull era, and an unexpected fusion of genres as synth-punk meets a classic rock ‘n’ roll undertone. I suspect the crowd would have happily listened for longer. The middle slot was filled by locals Miler, a new incarnation of their former moniker Harper. Their offering has a dream-pop shoegaze base that almost takes on a country twang at times, and with a new name and new music there’s sure to be more chances pending to catch them around Brighton.

Headliner Freya Beer has honed her style into an atmospheric juxtaposition of light pop and dark gothic soundwaves, her vocal is hauntingly frail at times but packs the most powerful of punches. She has spent some time recently supporting the peerless Dr John Cooper Clarke on tour and frankly, if JCC is backing someone, we should all pay attention. With a set including an icy cover of Britney’s Toxic and commanding latest single Cry Baby, the evening very much ended on a high.

NYSSA