Odd Box Promotions presents Host, Mari Joyce, Hot Raisin at The Murderers, Norwich 8 January 2016

Odd Box is one of my favourite regular music nights with a killer combination of diversity and great acts plus some frequent introductions to new music, tonight this was my first encounter with Host live. I’d heard so much about them but somehow gig clashes or whatever had always conspired against me, not this time though.

Following a quick pre-gig drink at The Owl Sanctuary, the evening was actually opened by one of my new favourites, Hot Raisin, who are currently winning friends and admirers wherever they play. They have the songs, lovely guitar and vocals and play with a delightful charm and quiet confidence. I always love seeing them play and there have been a few opportunities to catch them recently, the next being at The Music House Acoustic Session on the same bill as the likes of Yve Mary B, Joseph Quinn, Andrea King, Stepson in Tow, and Eloise Shaw. Go along on Friday and see why everyone is talking about them if you’ve not seen them yet.

It felt like absolutely ages since I last saw Mari Joyce, which is a shame as I always love her sets. This was a good time to catch her though with full band, in fact expanded to include backing vocals which worked perfectly. In a fairly full Murderers they sounded gorgeous, Mr Jason doing a super job on sound. Of course the songs were splendid and Mari’s lovely manner between songs was also a delight. Hopefully I’ll see them again soon, I was reminded how much I’d missed them after this very enjoyable set.

And so to Host, a lot of people looking forward to seeing them tonight. They really wowed me with a post-punk, electronica sound, effortlessly cool with highly atmospheric songs, strong drums, guitar, keys and Lorna’s vocals floating and flying over the top. I can hear a multitude of possible influences but what they create is their own sound and it was compelling. A great audience left them in no doubt as to how much they enjoyed the night and the band looked visibly moved at the calls for more but alas it was sound curfew time. Another band to add to the must-see list for the next gigs.

Many thanks to Georgie at Odd Box, Jason on sound, Host, Mari Joyce, and Hot Raisin.

Write-up. photos, and videos (c) Richard Shashamane

@RShashamane

http://shashamane.flavors.me/

http://host1.bandcamp.com/

https://www.facebook.com/mari.joyce.music

https://www.facebook.com/HOSTNaarch

https://www.facebook.com/hotraisinmusic

http://www.hotraisin.com/

https://www.facebook.com/Oddboxbookings

https://twitter.com/RShashamane

https://instagram.com/rshashamane/