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Both of these lovely artists found their way to my ears this morning:
Both beautiful photographs by Eric Luc.
Here is a video so you can swoon at Holly’s incredible amazing talents too:
She does that beautiful song I love after it, and then they do a playful bit of Beyonce. Win. Love love love.
So after our chat at the Roundhouse Holly had pretty much completely won me over already, she was sweet and friendly and great to talk with. I was so excited to see her play; I’ve been a fan for around a year now, but every single show she’s done so far has clashed with shows I’ve already had tickets for. It kind of broke my heart every time.
So, now I finally had the chance to see her, and she didn’t disappoint. Not at all. She completely ‘wowed’ me. Absolutely incredible- her voice is stunning. Literally stunning. I got sent a promo of the album a while ago and I adore it, it was great to hear the songs live. Holly’s music is so much more than just her amazing voice, her melodies and lyrics are so interesting and just draw me in so well.
They opened with No One Just Is, before playing one of the album highlights, Joints. Joints is so so so good. The four-piece band did the song brilliant justice live, it felt very immediate and beautiful. I should think it’s even more swoon-worthy with a bigger band. Slow Burn Treason and Sleep On Fire were two of the first Holly songs that I had heard, and I loved them. My favourite song they did live was Every Time I Go To Sleep. It’s a gorgeous lullaby that washes over you and pulls you into a beautiful dream, but with this brilliant lyrical darkness to it. Holly’s voice conveys so much emotion, and it’s brimming with so many brilliant nuances. They closed with a new song, Singular Acceptance, which was brilliant. I loved the set and would happily have watched them play the whole album and all of Holly’s back catalogue.
After the show I said bye to Holly and she gave a hug and kindly said she’d send me a demo of an old song that I had said I liked. I thoroughly enjoyed meeting her and seeing her live, I think she’s absolutely brilliant and I really can’t wait to see her again. I get asked to recommend bands alot, and I’m pretty sure ‘Holly Miranda’ will be on the tip of my tongue every time I get asked the question for a long, long while.
Such is the nature of an Allotment-centric week, that I am super busy and have no time. So I am only getting to review this incredible show that happened on Monday, just now.
First up was Dev Hynes, Lightspeed Champion. I saw him supporting Bright Eyes in 2007, which seems like an eternity ago now. He busted out some Elvis covers and played Galaxy of the Lost, which I hadn’t head in literally about two years but remembered it really clearly- it’s a great song. He ended his set with Devil In Disguise, which has always been my favourite Elvis song. I used to be a giant Elvis nerd, my friend even took me to see an Elvis impersonator play when I was like 15. Good times.
Next it was Sam Amidon. The man is brilliant, he has such a wonderful sense of humor that he weaves into his set, but still maintains enough ’seriousness’ to be a really respectable musician. His songs are great and he delivers them so well. For one song he opened with some solid, epic wailing before heading into a wonderful violin part. It was lighthearted and fun. Nico Muhly was letting loose some magic on keys; he really is astounding. Such a talent. Beth Orton and Owen Pallett both joined for a song to form a very lovable super group of sorts, I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Owen Pallett, fresh and ready to wow, entered the stage mouthing along to Alicia Keys playing on the PA (we didn’t know it was Alicia, we had to SHA-ZAM that up on an iPhone). He had a great rapport with the audience and his awkward banter was endearing. I saw him play at the same venue last May, and I thought this show was leagues better. Maybe it’s because I knew the songs better, or maybe Owen was just more awake and refreshed, and the addition of a drummer/guitarist/backup singer was great. Lewis Takes Off His Shirt was the set highlight purely for the sheer epicness of the repetition of ‘I’m never gonna give it to you!!!‘. Great show; Owen Pallett is ridiculously talented.
Simple and straight to the point:
Today I got to spend some time with this super lovely lady:
What a sweetheart! So lovely. We went for a walk up to Roundhouse and had a chat about music and art and stuff. She is super easy to talk to and I really enjoyed speaking to her. There was a really sweet cheeriness to her, even though she was tired and not feeling that great (here she is playing with a light-switch, and she playfully asked if I use ‘arnica’, some sort of gel for joints, because it’s vaguely similar to my name), she grinned alot and came across as very genuine. I thoroughly enjoyed her company, and what’s more is that she’s absolutely stunning live- her voice is absolutely incredible. While we were chatting she sung a bit of The Antlers song Thirteen to me. I did a swoon.
Lots of love for Holly Miranda. Listen.
THIS IS BRILLIANT:
I can’t wait to see them! Every band needs a tuba thingy.
The Allotment is mega super proud to announce this show:
Clare and the Reasons at The Luminaire
The Allotment couldn’t be any prouder to host Clare and the Reasons’ first UK show since the release of ‘Arrow’ in 2009, and their first London show in over a year. The show is on March 24th at London’s finest venue, The Luminaire.
The band lays claim to a stellar list of accomplices- with Sufjan Stevens and Van Dyke Parks contributing to their first album, Shara Worden (My Brightest Diamond) contributing to their second, and ‘the Reasons’ including members of Beirut and The National.
The Brooklyn based band, fronted by Clare and Olivier Manchon, are musically gifted, but most importantly, a whole lot of fun. WIth cellos, violas, things to hit, kazoos, baby kotos, saws, and recorders in tow, ‘Arrow’ is an album you should get your hands on, and this is a band you should come and see live.
Tickets here. Please come and support! It’s our biggest show yet. How exciting.
A few here. The rest are here.
Cake fest. Those bee cakes are incredible. The best consistency ever.
Lulu and the Lampshades:
Peggy Sue:
SHE KEEPS BEES:
