Music > Live Reviews

No Holy Men

Norwich Arts Centre

21/11/16

Tonight is Norwich’s very own No Holy Men’s first headline gig in celebration of their debut studio recordings and it comes in the form of a three track live sessions EP (This Is All, Exhale and Shake).

The intro tape that plays as the band take to the small NAC stage is from a recording that guitarist Andi Sapey made on his travels abroad of various nationalities introducing the band; it sounds great. It’s like something from a French black and white B movie and it sets the tone nicely for what is to follow.

Playing for an hour to a decent crowd this evening, the band quickly overcame some minor technical issues before launching into the very dynamic sounding Exhale, a song that truly represents the NHM sound.

There appears to be a great connection and chemistry between the band members with Ally Hill’s sharp vocals soaring PJ Harvey-like into the rafters of the church as Sapey’s jagged guitar grinds away, synching with her every word to the thumping pulsating back beat of Nigel Anobillson’s drum kit.

For me, the three standout tracks of the evening are on the EP, Shake, which certainly also got the audience’s approval as did the more mellow sounding closing track This Is All.

NHM offer something different to the vibrant Norwich music scene with their raw, cutting edge, unique and original sound. The word is clearly spreading so make sure that you catch them somewhere soon.