anika in london

Review: Tu Fawning at the Old Blue Last

I forgot to say I went to see Tu Fawning last week.

I really enjoyed the show. Very loud and great. They play catchy and bold carnival-esque music and all play musical instrument swap-around during the show. Would definitely recommend going to one of their shows.

Review: Wye Oak at Water Rats

Last night I went to see Wye Oak play at Water Rats. They were awesome.

I had unfinished business with this band, as I sort of got to see them last year, but only for 3 songs… then because the venue is touchy about photographers I had to wait outside to the headliners, Spoon, played. It was a bit mad.

ANYWAY. I finally got to see Wye Oak. Despite always coming through here supporting other bands, this was their first headline show. For me, they won the battle of who to see on one hell of a clash-o-rama of gigs day, with Glasser, Cults Sam Amidon and Laura Veirs all on elsewhere.

The band have a new record out soon called ‘Civilian’, and they played some songs from it. They also played a lovely mix of old songs as well – including my favourite ‘I Hope You Die’. Jenn has an amazing voice and is  a great performer; genuinely enjoying playing and getting into it. She was charming, friendly and grateful to the audience. Andy is the real king of limbs. Watching him drum is incredible. His ability to control each of his limbs so independently of each other is amazing to watch. Left foot controlling high hat, right on kick drum, left hand playing the keyboard and right hand drumming. Absolutely amazing. Together they really rocked and put on a great show.

I look forward to seeing them again sometime, hopefully sooner rather than later.

Great band! Check them out.

The reviews I do of my own shows are always 100% biased and probably read sort of like a diary entry from a 5 year old who just got taken to Disneyland for the first time, but I SHALL WRITE A REVIEW anyway.

Review: The Allotment presents Sea of Bees at The Gallery Cafe

I love Sea of Bees. I have a policy of only promoting shows with bands I completely love to bits. It’s more fun to only ever work with people you adore, I figure. I booked this show at The Gallery Cafe in Bethnal Green. It’s a lovely space and fitted nicely with the Sea of Bees vibes.

I got there early and Jules and I muscled up and moved all the heavy tables down a narrow corridor out of the way.  Teamwork! My favourite part of this whole process was when I heard a giant crash and went into the back room to find Jules looking sheepish surrounded by a pile of chairs she had knocked over.

The show was completely sold out. I’m really lucky to have lots of really super nice friends who came along and hung out. I’d quite like to know how these shows feel to people who aren’t my friends, but to me atleast they feel really special and lovely.  There was a nice atmosphere and I think everyone was having a nice time. People started coming through the door and I drew my face all over everyone’s hands (still don’t have a stamp).

Opening the show was my friend Joe Innes. I know Joe through one of my best friends Lynn and it’s always an absolute pleasure to have him play. He got everyone to sing along to ‘Heart and Soul’ and it was very lovely.

This is Joe:

Joe is great! I’d happily have him play at all my shows ever really.

Then it was time for Jules and Amber to play. They’ve been in the UK and Europe since January now, and it seems as though they’ve been incredibly super busy. I’ve been reading lots of sweet reviews and articles and it makes me so so so happy to read so many lovely things.

This was the first time I’d seen them play for a couple of weeks and they were really incredible. Everyone in the room listened in silence, laughed and clapped and smiled.

Here are some pictures:

I think Jules was telling a joke here.

Amber sitting down there. That purple smudge on Jules’ hand is from where I drew my face on her.

The audience. Looksee how busy it was!

Jules and Amber played tracks from ‘Songs For The Ravens’ and finished the show off with a beautiful performance of ‘The Woods’. It made a lady in the front cry. It was completely wonderful.

Jules is a special one! I can’t wait for the other shows later this week. Arabella and Dale are coming to those ones which means CAKE LAND! Yay!

My muscles are still tired from moving all those tables and chairs. The perils of having no biceps.

Review: Sharon Van Etten at Hoxton B&K

Oh lovely Sharon! What a delight to finally see her play again, almost two years on from the last time I saw her. May 2009 Sharon was pretty different to February 2011 Sharon. This time she had a band with her; who were absolutely fantastic. I always do a mental eye roll when I see solo types with a massive band who add nothing to the sound; but Sharon’s band is the opposite of that. Just drums and bass, the guys added a lot to the sound and complimented Sharon perfectly. She herself was amazing. Her voice was every bit as incredible as I remembered it, and even more so.

We got to hear a sweet mixture of new and old songs. Hearing ‘Consolation Prize’, ‘Tornado’ and ‘For You’ shot a little lightning bolt pang of nostalgia into me; they really brought me back to that summer in 2009. New songs like ‘One Day’ really rocked; and Sharon closed off the whole evening with a beautiful performance of an ac cappella ‘Love More’.

Stunning and wonderful.

Do not miss her live when she’s back. Buy her records, listen to her songs. So great.