Category: Gig Gallery

VLURE, Kynsy & Redolent at The Lexington, London, 3rd November 2022 (BBC Introducing)

In a week where BBC services have taken a potential battering, a reminder of all that they do outside of the regular TV and radio shows. Thursday night saw The Lexington packed, despite the irascible weather and threats of a train strike that happily never happened – an eclectic platform to showcase three artists, all of whom are well deserving of that support.

First up, Redolent’s mix of dark drums and synth samplers drew the crowd in, with a visible upturn in appreciation as the set progressed.

Redolent

Next on stage, Kynsy impressed with a collection of songs that charged down the standard indie-pop of other acts, with accomplished vocals, great musicianship and ridiculously catchy hooks.

Kynsy

Headliners for the evening, and crashing with ease through the huge wave of anticipation for their set, VLURE maintained their status at the top of the new acts you cannot miss tree. It’s beyond me that they’re not already much bigger, but they have an astute awareness of how the industry works and of keeping things moving at their pace rather than feeling forced into saturation; a stance that many  over-exposed acts could learn from.

But this isn’t just clever marketing, VLURE have style and substance in abundance. An unexpected switch up with Alex taking vocals in her stride on the opening track, some new songs, some already firm favourites, a cacophony of sound that somehow brings calm and makes sense of the madness going on in the world right now. There’s a bit of me that wants it to stay like this, but VLURE deserve every success that comes their way and, if there’s any justice in the world, it surely will.

VLURE

And to all the teams at BBC Introducing who continually work to bring artists like this to the forefront, we’re all keeping our fingers and toes crossed for you – to lose this would be unforgivable.

Review & photos © Siobhan

7th November 2022

 

The Bug Club, The Dream Machine & Hutch at The Piper, St Leonards-on-Sea, 29th October 2022

It would seem there’s no stopping The Bug Club, with tickets flying out wherever they play. And they have been playing far and wide, amassing followers as they go, and gifting what must be close to a 20-song set to those who came to see what all the fuss was about at The Piper on Saturday. It’s pretty simple really – they know how to write a great hook, their energy is infectious and they look like they’re having the best of times. There are still loads of dates coming up if you’re lucky enough to grab a ticket on a night that isn’t sold out, value for money guaranteed.

Support came from Liverpool’s The Dream Machine, who may also be relative newcomers but are already making a name for themselves with a nod to local stalwarts of the Merseyside scene The Coral and The Zutons, and an added layer of pure NYC punk rock riffs. Proficient and precise, the band played a strong set and look to be well on their way to bigger things. Frankly, anyone who can rock a NWA T-shirt with a crocheted waistcoat is deserving of some attention.

On the subject of attire, harp-inclusive ensemble Hutch picked up the Halloween memo and wore it well, opening the evening in style and with a gentle wash of soft-psych nostalgia; photo gallery from all three acts below.

Hosted by Acid Box Promotions and Dictionary Pudding.

Hutch

The Dream Machine

The Bug Club

Review and photos by Siobhan

2nd November 2022

Divorce, Safety Jacket & Ladylike at The Hope & Ruin, Brighton, 11th October 2022

Back in March, Divorce played in the bar downstairs at The Hope & Ruin. They undoubtedly made a good impression, as this time round they filled the bigger space upstairs with their subtly sanguine post-punk tunes and a hugely enthusiastic crowd. Although still relatively early days in their musical union, it seems Divorce have found their niche and their followers, even playing a second rendition of Services to allow an audience member to take over drum duties.

In support, Safety Jacket’s camaraderie is obvious as they perform their new songs with growing confidence, and openers Ladylike impressed on only their third gig.

Hosted by Love Thy Neighbour – photo gallery from all three bands below…

Ladylike

Safety Jacket

Divorce

Review and photos by Siobhan

14th October 2022

 

Easy Life at The Brook, Southampton, 8th October 2022

I had been looking forward to seeing Easy Life at the Brook, primarily because I really like their studio work, but I had been less than impressed by videos I’d seen of their live performances, so I wanted to see for myself. The band is clearly formed around some very talented musicians, who write good songs and do offer a very different sound. However, my hopes for a true live experience were left a little wanting.

The Brook is a perfect venue for this kind of intimate live event. It gives the band a real connection with their fans and lets the fans get close to the musicians because of the unique set up at the Brook. It also has the benefit of a large balcony and plenty of room for people to find the vantage point they feel most comfortable with. Whether that’s right at the front of the stage or sat on bar stools at the back, the high stage ensures a great view for everyone. Not only is the view great, but the sound is the envy of much larger venues. No expense has been spared to make the sound work perfectly. The lighting is also a real bonus of this venue. I regularly photograph bands at The Brook and am always guaranteed of some wonderful photographic lighting. Unfortunately, the promoter of this event, for some unknown reason, wouldn’t allow me to use my professional cameras, so I had to use my simple handheld camera.

Easy Life came on just after 8:15, despite a published start time of 8pm, a minor inconvenience, and there was a full house waiting for them. My enthusiasm was immediately dampened when the backing track started. I had really hoped for a fully live set, but that clearly wasn’t on the cards. I’m not naive enough to think that everything from a studio recording can always be replicated live on a stage, but I suspect that if the backing track had been removed, it would have been a very different experience.

The most enthusiastic member of the band was, without question, Oliver Cassidy on drums. He was clearly enjoying his time on stage, and, halfway through the short set, he even walked round his kit to the front of the stage in an obvious effort to get the crown engaged. He succeeded. The crowd reacted very positively to his enthusiasm, which seemed to be somewhat lacking from the rest of the band.

There was a nice touch during the set when the raffle tickets, which had been given to everyone, resulted in one lucky girl being invited on stage and being given an album, which the band signed for her. Although Murray Matravers (the front man of the band) did smile as he conceded that they were staying after the gig to sign albums for everyone who had paid for that part of the evening.

The set lasted for about 40 minutes, which is what the audience expected, and there was a very welcome, one song encore. It was then time for those who had only paid for a ‘ticket only’ option to leave. Those who paid for the signing part of the evening were allowed to stay to have their merchandise signed by the band. As I had only paid for the gig itself, it was time for me to head out. Unfortunately, no one really knew where they were supposed to go for the signing, other than it was up on the balcony area. Knowing the Brook as well as I do, I know there is a staircase at the back of the room which leads upstairs. The organisers tried to tell people to queue towards those stairs. However, the obvious and main route to the balcony is up the stairs by the main entrance. So, despite shouts from the organisers, it had a feel of an attempt to herd cats. I was quite glad to be heading out.

Once outside I spoke to a couple of Easy Life fans who had very differing views of the show. The guys I overheard were laughing together about the short set, and clearly hadn’t realised the show would be so brief. They were good natured about it and when I chatted with them, they said they’d seen the band previously and were disappointed that some of the music wasn’t live. They wanted to see trumpet and saxophone, as well as a longer set. To be fair, the event was clearly advertised as a signing event with a 40 minute stage set. That didn’t stop the guys I spoke to laughing and saying, “Two stars from me”. To balance the disappointment, I spoke with another couple who were obviously big fans, and were thrilled to have been there, this was the first time they’d seen the band on stage.

In conclusion, the evening wasn’t what I’d hoped for from the band. It lacked some enthusiasm, apart from one or two points in the show, and I was disappointed in how much they relied on pre-recorded tracks. However, there were some real positives. The venue gave a wonderfully intimate feel and had superb sound, which, let’s be honest, is one of the most important things. It’s also great to see bands playing local, intimate shows for their real fans. So many artists who make it to the ‘next level’, often forget their roots, and no longer play at the venues they played before their ‘Glastonbury moment’. So, credit to Easy Life for keeping in touch with the real fans, credit to the organisers, and credit to The Brook.

Photos and review by Peter Nicholson

10th October 2022

Marillion at O2 Guildhall Southampton, 22nd September 2022

It was another sold-out performance for the return to the South Coast for this iconic, genre defying band.

Steve Hogarth, who has fronted the band since 1989, joked with the audience that he hated the terms often used to describe their music. “Prog Rock? I don’t like that… Orchestral Rock? I like that even less… Symphonic Pop… that’s the worst!”. He then smiled and said, “However you describe what we do, I hope you enjoy the show”. So, not wanting to argue with Steve, I did exactly that, and I won’t try to pigeonhole them, other than to say that it was a superb evening of unique music with an attention to detail that is rarely seen in live performances.

Two of the unseen heroes of the evening were, without doubt, were the lighting and sound engineers. Using a huge Midas sound desk, (which I imagine the Road Crew hate) the less than perfect acoustics of the O2 in Southampton were brought to life. Together with a stunning and perfectly engineered light show, they made this relatively small venue feel like a London Arena.

The band played a two hour set and were ably supported by Luke Jackson whose opening set was full of his wonderful vocals and faultless acoustic guitar playing.

Like most audience members, I often dread the words “We’re going to play the whole of the new album for you”. Like most, I really want to hear the songs I’m familiar with, but on this occasion, it was a joy to hear such a polished set from musicians who clearly gel together so well and clearly still enjoy playing together, even after so many decades in the business.

Steve Rothery’s lead guitar was as perfect as ever. Each note practiced and polished, drawing on years of playing live. He stood (almost motionless) in his usual stage place and looked lost in the sound. The keyboard and the rhythm section were equally well rehearsed and a testament to the adage that practice really does make perfect.

At the end of the show, there was a long standing ovation before the obligatory encore. A full house of very happy Marillion fans left the venue feeling they had been treated to a spectacular show. The tour continues around the UK before heading to Europe. Catch it if you get the chance.

Marillion

Photos and Review by Peter Nicholson

Peter is a Southampton based photographer who specialises in Concert, Live Music, Performance and Show photography. He also runs Sound Level and Sofar Sounds on the South Coast. We’re delighted to have him join the Breaking Glass team; do check out his work on the link above.

24th September 2022

Altered Images & Vanity Fairy at Concorde 2, Brighton, 13th September 2022

There’s always an element of a gamble in seeing an artist whose music you’ve listened to as you grew up. Will it bring back happy memories or feel like a tribute to the past? No such concern with Altered Images as, in addition to the classics, Clare Grogan has continued to stake her place in the music world, with collaborations on latest album Mascara Streakz with both Bernard Butler and Robert Hodgens, better known to most of us as Bobby Bluebell.

The set at Brighton’s Concorde 2 showcased her ability to hold the audience in the palm of her hand with a mix of great tunes, storytelling and an instantly recognisable voice that still sounds as strong as ever. It rained for most of the day on Tuesday but the night ended with a spark of pure sunshine; impossible not to enjoy this.

And a shout out for an inspired choice of support as Vanity Fairy won over the crowd (not an easy task when you have a fanbase this established) with their enchanting synth-disco tunes, complete with a vocal worthy of the love child of Kate Bush and Sylvester.

For one night only, the seafront had more sequins than pebbles – which is no bad thing.

Vanity Fairy

Altered Images

Words and photos by Siobhan

16th September 2022

 

THEIA at Rock City, Nottingham, 14th September 2022
(Supporting Magnum)

Brothers… who’d have them! An easy question for Kyle and Ash Lamley, the fraternal duo who make up the incredible multi-genre combo, THEIA.

I caught up with the guys backstage at Rock City before they took the stage on the 3rd date of their tour supporting mighty Hard Rock icons, MAGNUM on their 50^th anniversary tour.

Prior to my visit, I’d been listening to the young band’s catalogue and could only question how the duo secured such a prestigious support? Elder brother, singer Kyle, explained that Magnum keyboard wizard, Rick Benton, had been a college inspiration and the personal connection was made there.

The brothers are chatty, relaxed and very funny. If you get to meet them, ask how Kyle, being an official Teletubby, met the love of his life! They’re great storytellers, which translates into well-crafted and often introspective lyrics of their songs.

Outside Rock City the queue of Magnum fans began early and I couldn’t help but wonder how these hardcore rockers would receive this young band!

As the Lamley brothers took to the stage, their clever use of theatrics engaged their audience instantly, before even striking a note! Kyle announced the band’s arrival with a large placard emblazoned ‘APPLAUSE’, followed by a quick flip to reverse, ‘MANIC SCREAM,’ the crowd dutifully followed. Behind the drum kit, younger brother, Ash, adorned an enormous pair of inflatable hands to add extra fun and warmth to their unusual introduction.

With the audience already on their side, THEIA opened with Fire, establishing the tone for the remainder of the set with strong beats, brave lyrics and infectious energy. This was followed by fan favourite, Blue Heart.

As the crowd swelled in number, following a perfect rendition of the emotional There’s A Boy , telling the story of Kyle’s growing up with Type-1 Diabetes, Ash emerged from behind the drum kit to re-ignite the room by leading a dynamic, fun t-shirt give-away .

The set concluded with a great singalong, HooWoo; the entire crowd by this time having quadrupled in size joining in as one!

For a novice THEIA gig goer, this was a young band’s masterclass in how to win fans and influence them!

Good luck THEIA; based on that performance, your future is assured!

THEIA

Words and photos by Tina Sherwood at All The Ts Photography

16th September 2022

VLURE at The Moth Club, London, 9th September 2022

And so it builds – new songs like blankets you can wrap yourself in, a growing fanbase travelling far from home, a sense of expectation that is never disappointed – the rise of VLURE isn’t stopping any time soon.

Never Heard of Ya’s combined 3rd birthday and farewell party filled The Moth Club on Friday night, and there’s little doubt about who stole the show. Every VLURE set feels like a privilege to witness, something you’ll never regret making the journey for. And catching familiar faces in the crowd is becoming a regular thing too, a strong sense of being in on an increasingly less well kept secret.

With the stage ferocity of The Snakeheads, the pulsing tempo of heavy dance beats and the propulsion of all that was good about 80s’ electronica, if you’ve not caught this band live yet then don’t sleep on it for too much longer… but be nice and save us a space at the front.

VLURE

Words and photos by Siobhan

12th September 2022

Everything Everything at The Wedgewood Rooms, Portsmouth, 24th August 2022

I think it’s fair to say that the past two years have been pretty rough for us all. The live music scene has certainly had its share of struggles since the initial outbreak of Covid-19, but amongst the endless doom and gloom there is cause for optimism.

Back in the summer of 2020, the Revive Live campaign (a partnership between The National Lottery and Music Venue Trust) launched to help independent venues survive post-Covid. Its mission is to support UK grass roots venues by bringing big artists to intimate crowds, and well, so far so good.

Manchester art rock heavyweights Everything Everything grace the Wedge’s stage tonight to a sold-out crowd, but first up we have Hayden Thorpe. Performing as a solo act, Hayden conjures up a calming atmosphere which is unfortunately punctured by the gathering crowd’s constant chatting. However, Hayden seems unphased for the most part and looks to be enjoying himself. Good for him.

Having only heard a handful of tracks from Everything Everything’s six album discography, I’m told that their latest album Raw Data Feel is one of their best. Luckily then tonight’s set leans heavily on that cache of tunes. Teletype kicks things off, and the crowd are immediately singing along to every word and dancing like they’re VIP guests at the world’s greatest indie-disco circa 2005.

Watching the set unfold at a steady pace, I feel that Everything Everything are a band that is greater than the sum of its parts. Michael Spearman’s drums are loud, punchy and straight to the point. This approach then complements Jeremy Pritchard’s tight rolling bass grooves, whilst Alex Robertshaw’s efficient yet effective guitar leads provide plenty of texture and dynamics to songs like Jennifer and Night of the Long Knives.

Singer Jonathan Higgs’s passionate falsetto vocal delivery rounds off the Everything Everything sound, and it’s during Kemosabe where it really shines. The crowd sing along loudly, and Higgs can’t help but smile throughout as his words are pelted back at the band with more enthusiasm than I’m used to seeing these days.

Now, I have already admitted to not being well-versed on the subject of Everything Everything’s back catalogue. However, the last three songs of the main set are really impressive. Here we get the triple threat ‘bangers’ Bad Friday, Cough Cough and I Want A Love Like This. Each track is a total ear worm, and I’ve had them stuck in my head since the show. I Want A Love Like This in particular gets my vote as Robertshaw moves over to play synth, and Higgs’s voice soars during the chorus. I feel alive indeed.

We had to leave before the encore sadly, but judging by the band’s performance tonight, I would say Everything Everything are a solid and enjoyable live act, and it was fun seeing them play on a smaller stage. So, support the Revive Live campaign, support your local independent music venue and maybe knock the chat on the head whilst the acts are performing.

Everything Everything

Words by Ryan Howarth
Photos by Hannah Mesquitta

31st August 2022

Safety Jacket, Maximilian & Pastil at The Rialto Theatre, Brighton, 12th August 2022

After a couple of years in the making, Safety Jacket launched their debut album Honey from the Wasp Nest into the world on Friday night in the stunning setting of Brighton’s Rialto Theatre. 

Kicking things off, Pastil opened proceedings with some smooth dream-pop tunes, just the thing to escape from the heat outside to. Announcing a name change to bobbysmiles, watch out for what’s to follow.

Next up, having swiftly emerged from behind the first set’s drum kit to take the mic for the second – Maximilian with an almost Cure-esque quality to his vocals, and some more familiar faces to hand from the local scene.

And so to Safety Jacket – a special evening for the Brighton three-piece and lots of support in the room. Honey from the Wasp Nest is as much a collection of short stories as a collection of songs. Dedicated to vocalist George’s grandad Derek, a photo of whom is projected above the stage, it feels like a very honest and heartfelt project, the ethos of which will be relatable to many. Veering from indie rock to almost Bragg-like protest poetry, the album is full of twists, turns and mood swings.

With lots to reflect on, it’s clear that the band have put everything into making this record and it stands up as a piece of work that manages to avoid the pitfalls of sameness that it’s easy to fall into in an attempt to follow trends. Something of a concept album, showcased at the theatre with a great reception and a call back for one more song at the end? I reckon Derek would’ve loved it.

You can listen to and purchase the album here

Words and photos by Siobhan

15th August 2022

The Cribs at Pryzm Kingston for Banquet Records, 31st July 2022

The Cribs have a diehard fanbase, always there to party and equally happy to hear the new tunes as the old ones. This week though has been all about the old ones, as the Wakefield trio released special edition versions of their first three albums.

And to add the icing to the cake, some live shows to take everyone down memory lane. A show to play through each of the albums, The Cribs, The New Fellas and Men’s Needs, Women’s Needs, Whatever. The twist? All three on the same day, one after another. Sunday was the turn of Banquet Records, utilising Pryzm down the road for their out-stores.

Almost off to a shaky start with a broken down van, happily none of us knew how close things were to being cancelled, and the opportunity was there for those in the right bit of the queue inside to watch the Lionesses kick off on time instead. But inevitably worth the wait, The Cribs never disappoint live, not once, not twice, not three times.

A day to remember and a chance to relive the early days – all three records are currently and deservedly sitting comfortably in the UK chart top 10. What can you say? Brilliant albums, brilliant shows, whatever…

Words and photos by Siobhan

2nd August 2022