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Stowe-X Rock-Soc Newsletter

7 May 2021

Now that we are emerging from the cultural desert of Lockdown and shall, before too long, be allowed to experience Live Entertainment in all of its forms once more, I think that it is time to revive the STOWE-X Rock Soc newsletter.

So, to all of you who are new to this, let me explain. Several times a year I shall send out notice of London based live gigs which, in my opinion, are worth bringing to your attention. Having said that, music is totally subjective and some people may feel that I am overlooking something important. In which case, I would really appreciate it if you would contribute your own recommendations to the Rock Soc too. In this way we shall get a more balanced and eclectic overview. If you are hosting an event or performing at one yourself and would like to promote then please do let me know and we shall be delighted to spread the word.

If you would like to join the mailing list, please contact the Old Stoic Office.

So, as from late May, we shall be beginning to see new life being breathed tentatively into Live Music once more and so far, I have noticed three events which I feel will be definitely worth a visit:

Julia-Stein.jpgTUESDAY 1 JUNE

Australian singer/songwriter JULIA STEIN is appearing at Colours Hoxton (aka Hoxton Bar & Kitchen, Hoxton Square, N1 6NU – 020 76130709). Julia previously fronted the band “Howling Bells” which developed a massive following when they were the support for both COLDPLAY and THE KILLERS. She has got three excellent solo albums under her belt. I only discovered her about two or three years ago and was seriously impressed. This will be my first time seeing her live.

Tickets: www.colourshoxton.com

Massive-Staples.jpgTUESDAY 15 & WEDNESDAY 16 JUNE

The legend that is the mighty MAVIS STAPLES will be blowing the roof off the Union Chapel, (Compton Terrace, N1 2UN). Having been a member of her celebrated family band THE STAPLES SINGERS, Mavis has been dropping jaws consistently with her powerhouse solo performances. Gospel, Blues and Soul and with a great band – what a lady!  

Tickets: www.unionchapel.org.uk

Natalie-Shay.jpgTHURSDAY 17 JUNE

Now, whilst the USA has Taylor Swift, we in the UK are about to reveal our contender for her title, NATALIE SHAY. Natalie will be showcasing songs from her latest excellent EP “Naked” at Oslo (Amhurst Road, E8 1LL-,  020 3553 4831) in Hackney. Some of you will remember seeing her as a teenage performer at our Metropolis Sessions. She has developed into a mightily impressive songwriter and performer.

Tickets: www.colourshoxton.com

There will be an element of social distancing at these gigs but hey – at least it’s a start!

If you decide to attend one or all of these gigs, please do let me know and if you would like to add your own comments, please do so. It is always great to get feedback otherwise it is like shouting in the dark!

I hope to see you at one or all of these gigs. 

Meanwhile, I thought that I should draw your attention to two new releases which I really do feel are exceptional:

download.jpgWhat an immensely satisfying discovery!

I had never heard of this London based Indie trio, FLYTE, before now but I have just finished listening to their latest album 'This Is Really Going to Hurt' - and what a delight it is.

The clue is in the title as to what the subject matter is all about - and I can only pray that the writer’s love life takes a turn for the better soon!

Having said that, this album is far from being a self-indulgent gloom-fest. Each track is very different in style from its predecessor with upbeat memorable melodies and intelligent storytelling lyrics delivered in an elegantly woozy style and with the sort of harmonies that would make CROSBY, STILLS, NASH & YOUNG proud - in fact I am sure that they would have given their very last spliff to have recorded 'There’s A Woman'. 'Losing You' is a heartbreaker with a beautiful lilting refrain and which is still going around in my head whilst, coincidentally, segueing with INGRID ANDRESS’s song 'The Stranger' off her recent exquisite 'Ladylike' album. 

As I say, each track has it very own definite character and the whole album draws you in so that you long for each subsequent track to find out what happens next!

images.jpgOne instinctively knows when something is absolutely right...

and I have just had one of those moments whilst listening to the debut EP by singer/songwriter POPPY FARDELL.

Poppy’s particular genre is Country and this set of six songs neatly embodies the true spirit of Nashville. 

The subject matter, the narrative, the melodies, vocal style and production are pure Country and authentically Nashville. So, it comes as a surprise to discover that Poppy turns out to be the person who is putting Country into the West Country, in that she hails from our very own Devonian shores!

As I say, the subject matter is classic Country fayre - regret about losing her first love by leaving home and moving to the city in 'Hometown Hero'. 'Lose Myself in You' is a paean to total adoration (incidentally, it has a joyous lead guitar break!). 'Drive' is an interesting take on the classic Springsteen scenario of grabbing your girl and getting the hell outta this Godforsaken place but from the girls' point of view. It neatly encapsulates the excitement and adventure but also the fear in the realisation that sh**- this is what grown-ups do! - and that nothing will ever be quite the same again. However, as a counterpoint, 'Die from a Broken Heart' is a cry for help to the girl’s parents as the idyll has turned sour. 'Hayley' is a classic outlaw on the run number - but with an unusual spiritual uneasiness about it. 

Whilst each song is a little individual gem, all with good melodies and memorable hooks - the title track 'Better Start' is, for me, the stand-out, if I had to pick one. It has a terrific chorus which will insinuate itself into your brain and stay with you for days. It is also hugely satisfying as one thinks to oneself “This is great but what is she going to do with it next? It would be great if she lifted it into a higher register before the end..." and then YESSS! She does just that- leaving you with a very satisfied smile on your face! 

Check it out on Spotify, as I did, but one really should get the disc - it is a definite keeper.

Nigel Milne (Chandos 68)