Native Harrow - Acapela - 26/2/23

Native Harrow are a married duo who preform folk rock music. Originally from the USA they have now moved to Brighton in the UK and are currently on their ‘Old Kind of Magic’ tour. With lead vocals from Devin Tuel and her husband and backup singer, bassist and pianist, Stephen Harms. The pair worked amazingly together, with undeniable chemistry on stage. 

They performed songs from all their 5 albums, on the small stage in Acapella Studios, in Cardiff. A venue Devin described herself as ‘cosy and intimate’. And with around just 10-12 tables of two it was the perfect, and relaxed venue for Devin’s strong vocals to fill. 

The concert began at 8pm and they started with the song ‘A song for Joan’, followed by the title of their new album, ‘Old Kind of Magic.’ These were beautifully sung and accompanied perfectly by the instruments. As the room was so silent, you could hear a penny drop as the audience grasped on to every enchanting lyric Devin sang and note Stephen played. 

The breaks between songs were filled with stories romanticising the smallest things, such as seagulls and charity shopping… But also, things such as, falling in love, missing out on things from being on tour and the personal experience they had moving, not just a new city, but a whole new country. Which is what their next songs were about, ‘Turn Turn’ and ‘We can’t go on like this’. 

I really enjoyed listening to the singing but also to the stories that came with the songs. It gave a different dimension to the song and understanding what the lyrics meant made the audience feel more connected to the music, which was a super unique experience. 

‘Happier now’, ‘Shake’ and my favourite from the album, ‘Used to be Free’ was also performed in their magical set. And again, each song came with a story. Towards the end of the set the duo started to play louder and said, “we can’t play pretty songs all the time!” And the audience roared, ‘more, more, more’ before they sang a final two songs. Continuing with the two final songs, ‘I was told’ and ‘Heart of Love.’ 

This was probably one of my favourite concerts and I think everyone else in there would agree as the atmosphere was unbeatable and as we left everyone was staying how impressed and brilliant the duo was and I couldn’t agree more. And when they left the stage they said, “hopefully we will be soon, thanks for having us!” And I hope they are!

You can catch them on the rest of their tour dates, in London, Exeter or Brighton, and I fully recommend. So, go get your tickets! 

Spacey - Jane 12/2/23 - SWX

The Australian band of four, ‘Spacey Jane’ took to the stage in Bristol’s popular venue, SWX. They sang a collection of songs, which were mostly from their album ‘Here Comes Everybody.’ And I think this was one of my favourite concerts I have ever been too!

The venue was great, really accessible and the fans quickly flooded in, excitedly waiting for Spacey Jane. But before they came on stage at 9, the support act ‘Dolores Forever’ (Julia and Hannah) sang a few of their songs from their album ‘Baby Teeth’. This included, ‘Funeral’, ‘Conversations with strangers’ and ‘Party in my Mind.’ I really enjoyed their set as they sang upbeat and catchy indie/alternative songs, which I have actually had on repeat since the concert! They then thanked the fans and ran off stage, leaving us with what seemed like an impossibly long wait for Spacey Jane.

But as soon as it was 9pm, the crowd started to go crazy as Caleb Harper (lead singer), Ashton Hardman – Le Cornu (lead guitarist), Kieran Lane (Drummer) and Peppa Lane (bass guitar and back-up vocals) took to the stage. The energy they brought to the stage was immaculate and everyone in the audience was so in awe of the talent before them as we sang along to every word Caleb Harper, the lead singer sang to us. 

They started of their set with ‘Lunchtime’, ‘Skin’ and my favourite, ‘Sitting up’. ‘Lunchtime’ definitely got the audience’s attention as it is upbeat and got the crowd moving, a perfect song to start on. And ‘Sitting up’ brought us back down, as it is more relaxing, but still brilliant live! So, this combination of songs was a good taste into what their set was going to include. And it didn’t certainly disappoint! 

And neither did their stage presence or relationship with the audience. “We love you Bristol and we are so glad to be back.” Caleb said in his Aussie accent. As the crowd repeatedly shouted, “We love you!!!” throughout the performance. It was a great atmosphere.

They then continued to sing, ‘Yet’ ‘Saw teeth’, ‘Weightless’ and ‘Pulling through.’ The vocals and instruments all sounded great together, and their chemistry as a band was clear to see as they worked so good on stage. And I can say I have never seen a man with more energy or jump so high. Ashton Hardman really put his heart and soul into the performance and put on an incredible show. Peppa did an impressive solo as well and Kieran smashed it on the drums!

They then continued to sing, ‘Thrills’, ‘Headcold’ and ‘Lots of nothing.’ Said goodbye to the fans and ran off stage. But then chants began of ‘more, more, more’ and out they came again to sing ‘Hardlight’ and ‘Booster seat’ which is their most popular song, so I am glad they came back to sing it! 

I was gutted to see them leave the stage because this was such amazing performance and experience, which I would recommend to anyone. I had a great night and hope they come back to the UK ASAP! Or I might have to go to Australia… 

Spacey Jane are an Australian indie rock band from Fremantle, which formed in 2016. The group consists of Ashton Hardman-Le Cornu, Caleb Harper, Kieran Lama and, since 2019, Peppa Lane. 

Paramore - This Is Why - Album Review

This Is Why is an authentic portrayal of the life of a millennial post-lockdown, trying to heal and being faced with the boredom that comes with growing up and getting better.

As opposed to the band’s previous album After Laughter, which was full of joyful sounds and aesthetics to juxtapose the more gloomy lyrics, This Is Why displays the band going back to their roots of unapologetic angst. 

Vocalist Hayley Williams, 34, frequently uses monotone talk-singing throughout this album to depict the melancholia that is laced throughout the record. Unfortunately, this often leaves little room for the singer to fully display the impressive vocal range that we know she has. 

The album kicks off with a strong introduction from Zac Farro on the drums, who continues to shine throughout every track on this reasonably drum-heavy album. The title track eases you in with light vocals from Hayley and a catchy chorus. Beginning the album with the line “If you have an opinion, maybe you should shove it, or maybe you could scream it” gives listeners the immediate impression that the band has something important to say on this record, ensuring they have your undivided attention from the get-go. 

Just as you are beginning to theorize what kinds of political messages and realisations may be scattered throughout the album based on the lyrics of the first track, you are hit with The News. This song describes the feeling of wanting to stay informed in world events but feeling exhausted by the endless tragedies. The repetition of “a war” in the first verse replicates how it can feel sometimes to watch the news and keep up-to-date with world events. Many different bands, and artists in general, have taken a more political route in recent years. It feels as if many just do it to remain “relevant” and to appear in touch with the general public, and few do it simply because it is something that they are genuinely passionate about. I believe Paramore to be one of the latter few, but this song was lacking in any hard-hitting messages that we have not already heard plenty of times at this point and I would have liked to see them push it a bit further.

Running Out Of Time depicts the feeling of anxiety that comes with comparing your own progress and achievements with others who seem as if they are far ahead of you, both in the lyrics and in the music itself. The quick-tempo drumbeat is reminiscent of a heartbeat speeding up and the low vocals in the verses build further on this feeling of anxiety. The lyricism on this track in particular is an excellent example of the band’s talent for bringing humour and sarcasm into the more gloomy topics.

In comparison, the repetitive chorus in C’est Comme Ça leaves much to be desired, but this may well be an intentional choice to represent how repetitive a mundane life can feel. The track makes up for it with a strong drumbeat and a catchy riff and the fact that it is likely the most relatable song on the album, as many people have found post-lockdown that healing can unfortunately be incredibly boring.

Once we approach the second half of the album, we finally get to hear Hayley flex her phenomenal vocal ability, with her angelic falsetto sound in Liar and the way she floats between highs and lows with ease on Thick Skull. This later part of the record feels overall vulnerable, with more personal details of the complexity of self-healing rather than the more general world issues that are discussed in the earlier half. 

Thick Skull is a slow yet raw and emotional ending for the album. If you were hoping to come out of This Is Why with any sense of comfort or closure, you will likely be disappointed. The song appears to describe a person with a need to try and fix the people around them whilst continuously making the same mistakes in their own life. 

Although we end on a low note, sometimes it is enough comfort to know that others are experiencing similar struggles to you. This Is Why is an album filled with unease and anxiety, which is exactly what many of us need right now.

...

Martyn Joseph - St David's Hall - 7/2/2023

Performing the 122nd night of his tour, Martyn walks onto a very big St Davids Hall stage armed with his trusty Lowden Guitar and launches into ‘Here Come The Young’ the title track of his 2019 album.

This is no ordinary gig, the passion up a notch, Emotion and conviction always there with Martyn, but tonight is special to him and the fans and family present.

Martyn truly is a musical warrior spreading the word, feeding the mind, and touching emotions.

I watch in awe at a man at the top of his game, commanding a large auditorium on his own is an amazing talent, connecting and engaging with the crowd singing along and captivated by his conversation and songs.

1960 is his latest album as he explains more personal and retrospected to other albums, ‘Born Too Late’ ' ‘Felt So Much’ and ‘Driving Her Back To London’ particular highlights.

In the over 2 hour performance he plays songs from a lengthy career. ‘Cardiff Bay’ is always a popular choice and of course, he jokes about his top 40 hit ‘Dolphins Make Me Cry’.

His recent TV and Radio appearance for the song ‘Albert’s Place’ is mentioned, a song Martyn was commissioned to write is about the amazing work of Andrea Bell and the kitchen she runs in Sunderland supplying over 100 meals a day to anyone who needs help. It is another emotional version.

‘Nye’ is another example of Martyn’s talent for creating inspiring words and anthemic melodies. A song about the great Nye Bevan who founded The NHS.

After a short break you will find Martyn is off on tour to Canada, probably another 122 nights. How he can perform all those gigs, each with such quality songs conveyed with complete passion and professionalism, challenging inequality and injustice and still connecting with human stories, humbly and with genuine love takes a very special talent.

At Tonight’s concert, I was proud to be part of the audience. Artists like this are Very rare.

Please take some time to check the links below to Martyns Website, and ‘Let Yourself Trust’ Charity.

The Gulps - Clwb - 3/2/2023

The Gulps are preparing for their UK headline tour in just under two weeks. This will see the alternative rock band of five, frontman, Javier Sola and guitarist Juan Carlos Ruiz (both from a small town in La Rioja, Spain), bassist Simon Mouchard (from Nantes, France), rhythm guitarist Francesco Antonio Buffone (from Calabria in southern Italy) and drummer Raoul Khayat (from Beirut, Lebanon), touring sold out tours in London, Leeds, Glasgow and Manchester. 

But their first stop was Clwb Ifor Bach in Cardiff, where they supported welsh alternative rock band, ‘Trampolene.’ Trampolene’s set remained true to its welsh origin as the welsh national anthem began before they even got on stage and the second, they got on stage, they reminded anyone who didn’t know where they were from with a welsh flag with all their surnames on it. This was a nice personal touch which really made the set their own. This created a huge crowd reaction as chants begun and the music started the blare… it was an electric atmosphere. 

The Gulps said how excited they were to support them as they mentioned “We watched Trampolene in a festival over Taylor Swift, and now we are supporting them!’ They said. Before singing their first song, ‘Candy”, followed by ‘The Kings House’. Their stage presence was outstanding, and this was proven, as the venue was filled quickly as fans of all ages flooded in, all moving in time to the vibrant music. 

Their next song, ‘Boys’ was one of my favourites as they interacted with the crowd to sing back the lyrics. Shouting “Come on guys we sing boys, and you sing it back!” The vocals from both the crowd and band filled the room and it was nice to see the band engaging with the audience. 

And finally, their new song ‘mirror mirror’ took to the stage like a storm as they sang, drummed and strummed their hearts out. It was defiantly a best till last moment, as it’s groovy and repetitive lyrics got everyone on their feet. And the only negative I can say is they weren’t on stage for long enough! If only they were head lining their own shows…

Oh, wait they are! So, if you want to see them headlining their own shows and immerse yourself into their refreshing take on indie rock music you can grab yourself tickets for just £11! See you there! 

Casey - The Fleece - 12/1/23

After their almost four year break from music, Casey reunited with a tour of England and Germany, starting in Bristol on the 12th January. 

Casey are a five-piece Welsh Rock band formed in South Wales in 2014. They have released two albums and numerous singles.

Being in The Fleece, a small but lovely venue in Bristol, there was not one space free in the crowd. The venue was packed full of dedicated fans. 

Casey opened with their new song “Great Grief” which has meaningful, poetic lyrics and an impressive use of instruments. Straight after was “Atone” of a similar nature. They then followed with their older music which the fans adored. Looking around, the majority of the fans were passionately screaming the lyrics to each song and I could see how much this meant to some of them. Throughout the night the music was very loud and clear making it a memorable experience. 

Towards the end of the set, lead singer Tom Weaver asked the crowd where they had travelled from and one group were attending from Australia! This is a huge dedication to be able to see this highly motivating band that clearly have a reassuring impact on lives. 

Upon announcement of reuniting, Casey tickets sold out within just five days. In result of the demand, there was a venue upgrade and two extra nights added. From seeing the gig and following on social media, it is evident that the band are incredibly grateful for the support they have from their community. It is exciting to envisage what the band has for the future and it was an honour seeing them perform.

Pierce The Veil – The Great Hall Cardiff -01/12/22.

The San Diego rock band Pierce The Veil has had British fans in a chokehold all year as they’ve been

teasing their return to touring in the United Kingdom since early 2022. Fans of the group were

especially excited as this was their first time performing in The UK since their last album was

released in 2016.

The UK tour kicked off in Cardiff on the 1st of December and is set to run through the 10th December,

including two nights at the highly revered O2 Forum in London.

Despite the icy weather, fans could still be seen queuing outside of Cardiff University Student’s

Union for hours prior to the doors opening at 7pm. It was clear that despite the band taking six years

away, they were still more adored than ever.

After opening acts Carolesdaughter and Against The Current had set the tone of the night with their

passionate performances, the band kicked off their tour in Cardiff by playing two songs from their

2012 album - Collide With The Sky - titled ‘May These Noises Startle You In Your Sleep’ and ‘Hell

Above’. The audience were quick to start screaming as the members started to appear on stage. It

was easy to see that they were just happy to be back as the audience were to have them.

It was hard to tell that this was the band’s first show in the UK in a long time as their stage presence

was unparalleled. The quartet strutted onto the stage with such confidence and dived right into

performing without skipping a beat.

Any older fans who were looking for their fix of nostalgia were in luck. Songs from the band’s earlier

albums were all performed at the show, each with more energy than the last. Their 2010 song

‘Caraphernelia’ was played towards the end of the set, but the energy from the crowd was still

explosive nonetheless as fans chanted the lyrics to the beloved track in unison. Despite the song

being released roughly 12 years ago, the fans excitement to see the song performed live was

palpable.

In addition to playing some of their quintessential songs such as ‘Bulls In The Bronx’ and ‘Circles’ ,

Cardiff was also given the opportunity to hear Pierce The Veil perform two new songs from their

upcoming album - The Jaws of Life - live for the first time ever. The third song on the set list titled

‘Pass the Nirvana’ was released in August 2022 and was the first song the band has released since

2016. They also played their newest single ‘Emergency Contact’ which was released in November

this year. As a longtime fan, it was incredibly exciting to see the band perform a mixture of both

their older songs as well as their most recent releases as it felt like a reflection of how far they’ve

come as artists. Anyone can see that the band still haven’t lost their touch, even after so many

years.

It was my first time seeing the group live and they all delivered immensely. Fuentes’ vocals exceeded

any expectations I could’ve had from watching their recorded performances online and hearing his

voice paired with such talented musicians Tony Perry, Jamie Preciado and Lionel Robinson made for

an astounding show.

In addition to the amazing performance, the technical aspects of the concert were incredible. A

combination on perfect lighting, smoke machines and confetti raining down on the audience made

for a magical experience. It felt unlike any show I had been to before as I was left praying it wouldn’t

end.

As the concert came to an end the band departed from the stage. However, fans were quick to start

begging for more. While chants for an encore filled the venue, Fuentes was quick to return to the

stage with his acoustic guitar in hand. In contrast to their earlier performances, the singer slowed it

down by playing their song ‘I’m Low On Gas And You Need A Jacket”. This performance evoked an

emotional response from fans as many started singing along and even shedding a tear.

Finally, the group closed the show by playing one of their most popular songs titled ‘King For A Day’.

The audience screamed in anticipation as the first few chords of the song started to play. The song

was the perfect way to end their set as they left the venue on a high note. Throughout the show

Pierce The Veil performed with such high energy and enthusiasm so it made sense that they would

choose such a lively song to end on.

While the hit rock group take the UK by storm it is clear that the best is yet to come as they’re fifth

album -The Jaws Of Life- is set to release on February 10, 2023, once again leaving fans in

anticipation of what’s to come.

Pet Needs - Clwb Ifor Bach - 7/12/2022

This is a four-man punk band from Colchester in Essex. They performed their new album ‘Ibiza in winter’ for their first Welsh audience in Clwb Ifor Bach on December the 7th. 

The venue was small and intermate, but brothers Johnny and George Marriott filled the room with their vocals and Jack Lock skilfully played the drums whilst Rich Gutierrez accompanied them on bass. They all worked well together and had a great stage presence. 

But before their set, ‘Bridget’ a singer, song writer also from Colchester, was their support act. She sang her most popular song ‘Deflate’ and my personal favourite, ‘The Drive.’ This was one of my favourites because she really interacted with the crowd and got them singing her lyrics back to her. So, this really got the audience warmed up for Pet Needs. She also stayed after her set, and I got the chance to chat to her and she was lovely!

Pet Need’s set started at 9pm and lasted just over an hour. But they managed to sing a variety of songs from their albums. Starting with, ‘Lost again’, ‘Pavlovian’ and ‘Kayak’. Then on to the album title, ‘Ibiza in winter’ followed by a crowd favourite, ‘Punk isn’t dead; it’s just up for sale.’ The audience went wild when they heard this, and they screamed back every word to the equally excited band members. ‘Wales, we love you, thanks for having us!!!’ They said. 

In between the songs the band told funny stories about their experiences in Wales, their families and shone some light into their personal lives. This really suited the venue because it was small and intimate, you felt like you were friends with the band rather than fans, so it was nice for them to have been as chatty as they were.

An emotional song ‘Dear Abi’ was played for the first time, was completely striped back and took the audience by surprise because it was the opposite of their usual punk, rock genre. However, the sentimental and thoughtful song went down a treat and the crowd loved it and took in every word. – especially all the ‘Abi’s’ in the room.  

But the vibe soon picked up and was back to their punk rock genre as Bridget came back on stage for a duet with the band, to sing ‘The argument’. This was great to watch and both artists put their heart and souls into the performance and the song, which looked like it meant a lot to both. Bridget then left the stage, and they played a couple more songs, including, ‘Spirals’ and ‘Toothpaste.’ With a welsh accent attempt from Rich and an audience member jokingly saying, ‘you can stop doing that now.’ The show soon came to an end…

Until, the crowd repeatedly roared, ‘encore’, ‘encore’, they came rushing back on to sing, 3 more songs, including their most popular one, ‘Tracey Emin’s Bed’. And it was defiantly worth the wait.

They are on tour till early 2023, so if you get the chance to see this energetic and talented band I would recommend. And with an equally male and female audience with all ages, everyone would have a great time. So, go get your tickets, they are as cheap as £10!