Dream Wife Live 28/3/22 Clwb Ifor Bach

Dream Wife Image @ KCL

Dream Wife are a London based band, with a punk rock, pop and indie rock style. 

Their band consist of, Rakel Mjöll (lead vocals), Alice Go (guitar, vocals), and Bella Podpadec (bass, vocals). And they have been supported by Alex Paveley on drums since 2018.

They blessed Clwb lfor Bach with their presence for their headline show on their tour, in the small intimate venue, on the 28th of March. After a nearly 2 yearlong break due to covid. 

The venue was flooded with fans of all ages and spilt between both genders, and the girl band did not disappoint any one of them. 

Starting of their 16-song set with the crowd-pleasing song ‘Hasta La Vista’, the lead singer Rakel, shouted to the adoring fans, “yes this is going to be fun, I can just tell.” And she was not wrong. And with her engaging stage presence and interactions with the crowd, they had the audience’s attention with every word. And this is how a concert should be, I was very impressed. 

They performed songs from their most recent album ‘So when you gonna’. These included popular songs such as, ‘Hey Heartbreaker’, ‘Let’s Make Out’, ‘Sports!’ and ‘Hot’, and despite the small venue they filled the room with their huge stage presence and vocals, which hit every note. And not forgetting the brilliantly played base and guitar from Bella and Alex. 

And the songs themselves were political, upbeat and empowering. With my favourite lyrics of the night being, ‘I am not my body, I am somebody.’ And ‘So familiar yet so new.’ From their songs ‘Somebody’ and ‘Old Flame’. Which was very impactable on the adoring audience. 

Lime Garden Image @ KCL

And honestly this group, couldn’t have looked like they belonged anywhere else, other than on a stage. They rocked it!

The support act, LimeGarden also rocked it. As the girls took to the stage by storm. With a similar genre to Dream Wife, LimeGarden sang a couple of their most popular hits, such a ‘Clockwork’ and ‘Pulp’ Also mentioning it was their first time in Wales, and they ‘were so honoured to be here and supporting such an amazing and talented band.” 

So, the night was full of love, good vibes and raw talent. I was blown away by Rakel’s vocals and the bands influential and feel-good lyrics gave the room an unmatchable vibe, only one you could describe if you were there. And I was lucky enough to be! 

So, this is a concert I highly recommend, and wouldn’t pass up the opportunity if I got to see them again.

Ellie Spark

Chris Difford - Acapela 30/3/2022

Attending my favourite venue is always a treat and the Acapela Studio on the outskirts of Cardiff proved the perfect intimate setting for legendary songwriter Chris Difford,who’s turning into a regular performer at the Studio.

First up was a young performer with an impressive resume as well having the musical chops passed down through the family, being the grandson of folk icons Richard and Linda Thompson.

Zak Hobbs, an unassuming, likeable chap produced a short but entertaining set showing off his undoubtable guitar talent featured in some lovely crafted songs, one of which told the tale of a former school friend turned super model with the audience having to guess before the big reveal at the end.

Having viewed the talented Squeeze man Difford in various guises over the years, it’s this intimate setting that really highlights his considerable songwriting talent.
Lately his writing is firmly set in reminiscing his happy childhood on the streets of Depford. Of the friends he’s known and some of whom he’s lost.

Mixing his set with classic songs from his days with Squeeze plus solo songs like the beautifully nostalgic ‘Parents’ his patter and tales of a quite remarkable career had the audience in awe, and stitches.
His life ticks most of the boxes when it comes to Rock n Roll excess. A career of ultimate highs and crashing lows and not a little miffed at having 3 number two’s and missing out on the elusive chart topper.

Yet his turn around is quite remarkable as he lives in a world of extremes, one day it could be Madison Square Garden, followed by a gig in front of a few hundred, both equally entertaining and no doubt as rewarding.
But like mentioned previously, it’s the intimate setting that the true-genius of Difford is revealed.

With the helpful backing of Zak Hobbs on guitar and backing vocals plus the brilliant addition of Melvyn Duffy on pedal steel guitar which superbly completed the songs both old and new.
Squeeze classics ‘Tempted’ ‘Pulling Mussels’ and ‘Up The Junction’ all sounded fresh in the smaller setting, whilst a new classic in waiting’Yellow Rose’ was strong in what was a set packed full of hits.

With good friend and bandmate Glen Tilbrook also playing the Acapela at the weekend and with a Squeeze visit to Cardiff set for November, the Squeeze-loving public of South Wales are very lucky indeed.

Review AW

Killing Joke- The Tramshed - 28/3/2022

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Support Act - The Imbeciles

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Hailing from New York, The Imbeciles  play Americana infused rock music, with a psychedelic element. Built around three guitars, bass, drums and harmony vocals there's a hint of another band called Howlin Rain, whom I'm very familiar with, there's even some Tom Petty influences too. Though with a dirty NY punk edge too. Having originally been a punk band, they have evolved into the pub rock style which as I've said also incorporates those fleeting touches of Americana and psych. They have had a working relationship with Youth producing their second record 

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Killing Joke

With the throbbing pulse between the bands building, it was time for Killing Joke (7), who came to the stage assuming their positions on stage. Vocalist Jaz Coleman, drummer Paul Ferguson, guitarist Geordie Walker and bassist Youth, with keyboardist Roi Robertson (who was relegated to the side of stage) then dove straight into the classic double tap of Love Like Blood and Wardance.

The now full room jumping and chanting in unison, the heavy bass throb and drumbeats of Youth and Paul Ferguson massively overpowering everything else on stage. That meant the guitars were sidelined to a distorted fuzz and Coleman's wild vocals and sneering lyrical prowess was barely audible. It seems as if Coleman himself was having some difficulty as well constantly trying to hear himself when he was singing.

Performance wise Killing Joke are great to watch Jaz shifting around the stage like he's possessed, imbued by the spirit of their music. Paul's drumming both primal and tribal, Youth takes lead bass with lots of pedal work and fuzzing low end that's throbbing and distorted as Geordie's guitar playing has an animalistic bite, the keys doing some layering that was Gothic, harsh and menacing.

Originally a post-punk outfit, their sound has adapted in recent years adding more industrial metal influences, leading to them being a much heavier prospect live.

There were moments of brilliance, that showed why they are such an influential band to acts such as Metallica, Faith No More, Nirvana etc but in the Tramshed, they were perhaps a little too loud, I know I sound old but there is a point where volume becomes noise. 

Not that the faithful Killing Joke fans cared as they were bouncing throughout the entire set. Even when it drew to a close quite abruptly due to going over the time allowed for their set. Influential, experimental and unique in their position as a band.

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Review Courtesy of Matt Bladen

Check out Matt’s Blog site

The Undertones/Hugh Cornwell 19/3/22

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Cardiff University is one of my favourite venues  having seen many great artists  there and this

gig didn’t disappoint.

The evening started with Special guest Hugh Cornwell taking to the stage.

Cornwall retains the essential sneer and edginess he possessed when in The Stranglers.

Tonight’s show was a mixture from Cornwell’s solo career and his days in The Stranglers, a

number of songs were taken from his latest album called Monster which were well received by

the audience.

The highlights of the set for me were Stranglers classics Duchess and Strange little girl, Always

the sun and Five Minutes. Cornwall and his band provided an excellent start to the evening.

The Undertones were formed in 1974 and the band may have been going 48 years but their

bouncy tunes  and boyish charm made them all seem like they were all still in their teens!

Paul Mcloome is a natural frontman both he and the band quickly engage with the crowd and

there was lots of inter-song banter which went down  brilliantly with the audience.

The Undertones specialise in hammering tunes that rarely last more than three minutes and that

works fantastically well for me!

Setlist highlights were Jump Boy, It’s gonna happen, Jimmy Jimmy, You've got my number and

the inevitable, Teenage kicks.

The Undertones were and still are a great live band if you get the chance to see them I would

certainly recommended you buying a ticket.

Review Steven Davies Photos TC Photography

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Image Copyright Keep Cardiff Live

Image Copyright Keep Cardiff Live

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Funeral For a Friend Cardiff University 1/03/22

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Bridgend based alternative legends Funeral For a Friend take the stage once again after their 2019 reunion shows. The band reached a ‘natural end’ in 2015, playing a handful of shows the next year as a send off to fans.

After reuniting to play three shows in honour of a terminally ill fan the band decided to announce a headline tour for 2021. Due to the uncertain environment surrounding the Coronavirus pandemic the tour was rescheduled for February/ March 2022.

I attended the second night of the Cardiff shows, on the 1st of March after managing to find resale tickets. The tour consists of 12 shows across the United Kingdom with support from Static Dress and Holding Absence. Leeds based metal/ punk band Static Dress opened the evening with an intense and energy filled set. After just releasing new album ‘such.a.shame’ on February 24th they were able to showcase their talent and promote their new release.

The great stage presence of all members was also something to note. Then Cardiff rock band Holding Absence came on playing hits from their two album releases self titled and 2021 release ‘The Greatest Mistake of My Life’. Never failing to impress a crowd they performed some of their biggest tracks such as ‘Afterlife’ and ‘Like A Shadow’ whilst finishing their set with the heartbreaking ballad ‘Wilt’ throughout their roughly 40 minute set. The band paid their thanks to Funeral For A Friend multiple times throughout.

It was then time for the legendary Funeral For A Friend, performing songs that spanned their 20 year long career. Opening to 2005’s ‘All The Rage’ from iconic album ‘Hours’. Pretty much every song they played was a full crowd sing-a-long, for many of the fans in that room it would have been the first time seeing them since before their hiatus. Emotions were running high in unison throughout as tracks such as ‘Juneau’ and ‘Streetcar’. For me personally, it was a really great moment to be able to see the band who inspired all of my favourite artists live.

Bethan Stewart

Rex Orange County "Who Cares" Album released today

Rex Orange County (Alex O’Connor) has released his 4th studio album. And with his unique sounding voice and relatable and upbeat lyrics I am sure it will go down a treat, for all his fans!

But for those who don’t know him, he is a 23 year old from the UK, his genre is indie pop and alternative and he has been associated with incredible artists such as Tyler, the creator, Benny Sings and Cosmo Pyke.

Ellie Spark Writes about her experience seeing him live.

November 28 th , 2019, my last concert before the coronavirus put everything on hold… And I went to see him in the O2 academy, in Brixton London. A vibrant and packed venue, with a captivity of 5,000.

We lined up for just under an hour and then followed the excited crowd into the fully sold- out venue, for the ‘Pony Tour.’

Once inside, we had our tickets scanned, the security did swift checks and we all hurriedly followed each other like penguins in a huddle, to get the best space. A little bit squashed, but in a good spot, us devoted fans started chanting his most popular songs before he came on stage. These included ‘Best friend’, ‘Loving is easy’ and ‘Sunflower”.

And after a huge cheer and clap, we were all stunned to silence as he stood on stage, and the sea of fans stood in awe at the beauty and unique tone of his voice. (Which sounded exactly like it did on the album.)

Twenty songs later, including 10 from his album ‘Pony’, 5 from ‘Apricot Princess’ and 5 others, including covers, he gave his fans a really impressive and varied show.

I liked this because I had been a fan for some time, so including songs from older albums was a great surprise. But, for newer fans it was perfect as well because if you weren’t familiar with the lyrics Rex made you feel included by interacting with all the crowd.

If you didn’t know the songs, you were about to learn them. The atmosphere was also breath-taking. So many adoring eyes fixated on one (then) 21year year old, taking in every high and low note. There was also changing lights according to the vibe the song portrayed. For example, dimmed lights for a slow song and multi coloured, flashing lights, for an upbeat song.

This was an experience I couldn’t recommend enough to someone, a fan or not. And with tickets for only £30, why not?

Ellie Spark

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Henry Birt- The Crown, Bristol- 4th March 2022- Gig Review from a Performer Perspective

Photography subject to copyright from Thomas Pitt Photography

This review is an interesting one to write about given the fact that I was a member of the band on stage. I’ve known Henry since I was 5 years old, we’ve grown up together, performed multiple times together throughout secondary school in previous bands, and I had the honour of sharing the stage with him under his own name in our hometown again. 

There were 5 of us in the band; Henry Birt on vocals and rhythm guitar (having also written all of the songs), Billy Price on lead guitar, Addison Gordon-Evans on Bass, Harrison Pugh on drums, and me on keys. All of us brought a unique talent to the band, and it made for great sounding music. 

The venue of The Crown was great and different to anything I had performed in before. It was small, dimly lit and would make you feel as if you were in some sort of a shelter underneath the pub. The acoustics were great though with the curved ceiling, and after the soundcheck we were all itching to get on stage and perform. Despite the excitement there were also nerves, or at least on my behalf, perhaps because it was the first time I had performed for roughly 4 years or so.

When the cavern started to fill up of familiar and unfamiliar faces, the reality started to kick in and our hard rehearsals for the last couple of months was about to come down to a half an hour performance. 

When we were on stage, the dimly lit cavern seemed to be dim no more, with the bright lights shining in our faces and almost blocking the view of the audience to help settle the nerves! 

4 of the 5 songs were unreleased but all original material produced from Henry, and each one carried itself in different ways. ‘You’ll Show Me The Rest’ was a great opener- a catchy guitar and bass heavy song with some cool riffs from Addison in particular and is fast to get the audience moving straight away. 

‘Leave Here in the Morning’ is similar in terms of pace, and it is my personal favourite with a strong string synth throughout the song. Billy’s solo was also electric, as he presented his own slick skills to everyone there. 

‘Open My Eyes’ slowed down the set in a great way, and really showcased Henry’s incredible vocal ability, with the chorus stretching his range high and low, encapsulating the crowd. 

‘Hymns of Peace and Love’ is another slow and relaxing tune, that also sounded the best it had done over the couple of months of practice, giving off vibes similar to that of The Verve.

The big finish was Henry’s newly released single ‘Rainbows I Could Not See’ and was again the perfect song to end on, with its high energy and allowing all of us to showcase our talents. Harrison plays left handed with a right handed set up, allowing for some really unique fills to be heard in he live performance that isn’t heard on the recorded single. Some of the crowd even knew the words as all of us heard them singing their hearts out along with Henry.

Overall though it was an amazing night that many of the fans enjoyed thoroughly with their kind comments afterwards. The two other bands were great as well, Sub Cultures and Rosellas, so definitely give them a listen on Spotify if you get the chance. It gave Henry a great start to his solo career too, but also allowed us all to form an amazing chemistry that we will hopefully share again on stage in the near future. 

Socials: @Henrybirt, henrybirt.com, Henry Birt

Review Sam Haskins

Photography subject to copyright from Thomas Pitt Photography

The Kooks – 12th February 2022

All Images Copyright Kacie Evans

The Kooks are celebrating 15 years of their award-winning album ‘Inside In / Inside out’ This was a significant gig in the Motorpoint Arena Cardiff, with the venue capacity being 7,500. 

With a similar music style to The Kooks, the show kicked off with the support of The Snuts, a Scottish indie rock band. They played 8 original songs and the crowd seemed to be familiar with the lyrics enabling them to sing along which created excitement for the main performance. I noticed the crowd was packed with a variety of people. An even split of both men and women both younger and older. This shows the inclusivity that The Kooks bring through their music and personalities. 

The crowd went wild when The Kooks opened with ‘Seaside’ an adored song that is just over a minute long. Taking a step back, the entire venue was filled with singing bodies sharing the same experience which was incredible to see after many tight regulations during the pandemic. There was a special feeling of togetherness that I can only experience through a concert.

After performing a few of the songs from the album, lead singer Luke Pritchard was ideally interactive with the crowd making comments such as “We love you guys” and “Are you ready” I enjoyed this aspect because it created a hype that is necessary during an important gig like this one. The band then played ‘She Moves In Her Own Way” which was incredible. Being such a popular song, the fans were singing word for word and I could tell how cheerful the band was to be performing it. 

The show continued with an engaging setlist. Following the generic concert trend, The Kooks returned with an encore of three songs concluding with ‘Naïve’. This is arguably their best song and definitely the most well-known with 418,163,920 listens on Spotify. 

 There was a smoky atmosphere throughout the show and was spotlight heavy, alternating between blue and red backdrops, combining to extenuate the band’s appearance. The crowd’s warm fellowship created a noticeable sense of community and I am proud to have been able to witness The Kooks performing in my hometown. 

Kacie Evans