Norfolk & Norwich Festival 2016

Pony Up present Late Night Kicks

15/05/16

I’m at the Arts Centre for the second night in a row, but this time it’s for one of NAC’s Pony Up shindigs, this time as part of Norfolk & Norwich Festival. Equipped with my closest gal pals and the sheer excitement of being able to leave the house during exam season, I was so ready.

Kicking off the night were Graceland, one of Norwich’s own indie rock four-pieces that devised an incredible balance between the refined control in their punchy guitar riffs and the carefree attitude found in their voices. With such strong new music it almost rendered the singing unnecessary; it just added a new layer to the allure of this new band. Sadly I was unable to find their music online, but keep your eyes peeled for when they are next performing as they put on an unmissable performance and I’m on close watch for their first album.

Next were Tuff Love who provided a slight lull in the evening; the two singers maintained the allure and attitude expected from an alternative rock band and the singing went past a grungy pop sound and just sounded a bit uninteresting. I would have liked to see more energy but nonetheless it’s always great listening to new bands in local venues.

Finally time for Chastity Belt, and I have never been happier to hear the men and women of Norwich singing “he was just another man trying to teach me something.” Maintaining their cool the whole time, the four girls glided through the set, with songs such as Joke and Time to Go Home providing the highlights. This set reaffirmed it for me - not only are they one of the best bands I’ve seen at the Arts Centre, but in terms of music on the DIY punk scene at the moment they hold the top spot. Their set, particularly songs like Cool Slut were well-received by an audience that was clearly familiar with the band, and the voice of Julia Shapiro combined with the transcendent guitar playing of Lydia Lund sparked flashes of brilliance, setting this band far apart from other rock bands at the moment. Their line "choices without reason" almost sums this band up perfectly - assertive and powerful music that discusses fuck-ups, is unapologetic in its acknowledgement, and incredibly fun to watch live.