I had a lovely chat beforehand about a mutual love of Slovenia and travel with Daisy beforehand, who was to perform tonight solo for the first time. She will be more familiar to some as the lead vocalist of the impressive Maglia Rosa Band. I enjoyed her set very much. One part PJ Harvey, one part Kate Bush but wholly Daisy Victoria. The songs stand up by themselves and are well delivered. Daisy has a theatrical and visually engaging presence and looks amazing in her appropriately Victorian attire and of course sounds amazing too. Most impressive, especially for a debut solo performance.

Daisy Victoria

Daisy Victoria

Daisy Victoria

Daisy Victoria

Following Daisy was Rory McVicar, this evening joined on guitar and vocals by Emma. These were very evocative songs, brilliantly performed. At times I was put in mind of road movies, relationships, and at others loneliness and solitude. At the close of the set it transpired there were a few spare minutes, which Rory used to deliver a perfect Lou Reed rendition. Another set which I enjoyed – a lot, and I want to hear more!

Rory McVicar

Rory McVicar

Transept’s set was my first experience of them live. This duo on keys were quite amazing, hypnotic and mesmerising. They were experimental and quite brilliant, and it took me a while to realise at one point they were actually performing a Christmas standard but not in a way I have ever heard before, not until I realised I was nodding away to a synthesised vocal “Pa-ra-pa-pum-pum”, in fact!

Transept

Transept

Transept

To close the night was the lovely Mari Joyce Quartet, fresh from some well-deserved airplay of Open Your Eyes on Tom Robinson’s Introducing show on BBC6 Music. Even the fish in the vast PHB aquarium seemed transfixed by this set, hovering motionless watching the stage throughout!

Mari Joyce Quartet

Mari Joyce Quartet

Mari Joyce Quartet

Mari Joyce Quartet

Mari Joyce Quartet

All of this band have an extremely lovely and laid back, friendly manner which translates well to their onstage presence but they are highly accomplished and professional musicians delivering quite hauntingly atmospheric and subtle songs. Mari’s gentle voice and guitar is beautifully complimented by Iestyn on percussion, plus Alex on violin and another Alex on cello. Exquisite.

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