Music > Live Reviews
Aphra EP Launch
The Adrian Flux Waterfront
03/04/18
Good Friday. A memorable day on which to launch a wonderful adventure. Except that it is cold, and wet, and the audience making their way into Norwich's Waterfront are arriving almost before the last of this afternoon's football supporters have vacated Carrow Road. It is early doors tonight - the Propaganda club night kicks off at 10.30, but when I arrive in the Waterfront Studio there is already a crowd upstairs larger than audiences I have seen here for some pretty big names. I am here to celebrate the launch of the debut EP from local singer-songwriter Aphra, appropriately enough entitled A Wonderful Adventure.
Aphra is already a popular figure on the Norwich circuit, having performed at the likes of Norwich Arts Centre (where she has also been involved with the Sonic Youths programme), Open, The Owl Sanctuary, and The Bicycle Shop. Many will remember her from the cast of Wild Life (in my opinion, the stand-out show from the 2016 Norfolk and Norwich Festival). It is also worth noting that tonight's support acts can also trace their roots back either through Sonic Youths or Wild Life, or both.
Poppy Read opens the evening with acoustic guitar and a collection of self-penned songs that deal with emotions and relationships, and feature cleverly constructed lyrics delivered in a soulful, almost rootsy, style. Neatly strummed chords make you want to listen and groove in almost equal measure. I'm Alright, a moving new song which starts gently and builds to an upbeat conclusion is impressive, and points to a gathering maturity in her song-writing.
Elly Bishop opts for electric guitar, and is tonight backed by a drummer and additional guitarist, but it is the versatility of her voice that shines and impresses. Writing from the heart, songs like High Time and Pretty Girls have a bitter-sweet quality that Lucy Rose or Laura Marling would be proud of. And Elly is blessed with a voice that conjures atmospheric intimacy yet, at a stroke, intensifies and strikes like a lion. There's an upbeat April, a really strong Pedestel, and a neat cover of Lana del Ray's Art Deco that stand out in tonight's set.
Lucy Grubb has always pinned her Country-Americana colours firmly to her sleeve, and with her trademark Western-style hat we are in no mistake where her influences and inspirations lie. With an acclaimed EP already under her belt, Lucy is already a festival favourite in her own right, and has again been booked for Red Rooster Festival. Tonight, with a cellist, drummer and bass player, she turns in another accomplished and engaging set, and has the front rows of the audience striking up a rudimentary hoe-down, led by Aphra (who has enthusiastically been heading up the dancing to all three support acts tonight).
There is a palpable sense of anticipation as Aphra takes to the stage, accompanied by her band – Ben Auld on guitar and keys, Sam Serazin on bass and cello, and James Whiley on drums. These are the musicians who (along with Thomas Wilson and David Burton) played on the EP recordings, and who tonight really propel Aphra the singer into leader of Aphra the band. From the very first song there is a confidence and cohesiveness - a dividend from the entire rehearsal, production and recording process . With responsibilities distributed more evenly Aphra is free to shine like a star. She has always exuded charisma and confidence when performing, but tonight she is oozing obvious delight at the sight of a roomful of people rocking out and enjoying her music.
Peaches, Billboards and I'll Be There are followed by songs about acceptance of adulthood (When It Rains); belief in democracy (Hierarchy); and a deliciously smooth Sugar Cube. We rock out to an audacious cover of Gorillaz' Dare. Guest double bass player Jordan Lin comes on stage to play on the ironically titled Pretty Ugly. LED-encrusted tambourines in the audience are shaken aloft, and we arrive at the final song of the evening, the lead single from A Wonderful Adventure, Candyfloss. There is no encore, but the set has arrived at an enticingly euphoric conclusion. No further cherrying of the cake is required.
The evening has been a comradely affair to witness – a mutual respect and affection between performers has been clear to see; the presence of the friends and families who all stayed to watch the entire show a testament to their unified encouragement and support; and the quality of all four acts an indicator to the promising future of Norwich's musical 'scene'. Thanks to alchemic assistance from the likes of Pol Heyvaert and the team behind Wild Life; Annie Catwoman and Sonic Youths; and Access to Music (where several of the artists are currently based), these young artists and songwriters have come together, made music and forged friendships. As well as being a very special evening for Aphra this has undoubtedly been part of A Wonderful Adventure for everyone concerned.