Kitty Perrin
Kitty Perrin's unique blend of dreamy indie-pop will have gained even more fans following this Pony-Up show
It is the hottest and stickiest night of the year so far, but Norwich Art Centre has chosen it to host one of the coolest Pony-Up nights that I can remember. Headlining was Brighton-born emigrée Kitty Perrin, a singer-songwriter who came to Norwich to study at the UEA, and never went home. She has become a champion of the local music scene here, and also co-produces the ReWork nights in Norwich, where local artists re-interpret the songs of famous acts. But tonight was hers, and she began her set with 'Deep Down', a delicate and ponderous song about survival, hope, and despair. Alone on stage with her guitar, she reminds me of both Suzanne Vega and Lucy Rose, singing her songs which are both highly personal and powerfully championing. At one point she references the American writer Audre Lorde, and reflects on how her own life might have turned out had she been born back in the 1950's.
EP track 'The Escapist', and last year's single 'First Love' provide further proof of her open and honest songwriting, before she reflects on her own family back in Brighton during 'Footnote'. Band members Declan Fearon (guitar), Joe Maguire (bass) and Ben Rodwell (drums) help wring out every last ounce of emotion from the beautifully delicate 'Under My Skin', ahead of the autobiographical 'Tiny Versions', a rocking musical reflection of her ten-year old self.
Brown Horse singer Phoebe Troupe is just one of several special guests that join Kitty on stage. Others include Santa Rita's Monica Guanieri, and, on trumpet, sister Chrissie Perrin. Main support Kaspar Larsen also returns to provide backing vocals during the set. The set draws to a collaborative close with Perrin's ode to Norwich, 'Settle', a song about 'Superheroes', and, finally, her song about hating 'Death Metal'.
Kitty Perrin has many friends in the audience but, in a nice touch, she appeals for the faces she does not recognise in the audience to come up and say 'Hi' after the gig – 'Friends, you can wait!', she adds. It has been a memorable night, and Kitty Perrin's unique blend of dreamy indie-pop will have gained even more fans following this Pony-Up show.
Opening support came from the effervescent Macie Nyah, originally from Great Yarmouth but now based in London. Charismatic, and bursting with confidence, her cheerleader blend of bubblegum pop certainly got the evening off to a lively start. I'm not a big fan of pre-recorded backing tracks, but her voice and stage presence would certainly have given the likes of Anne-Marie and Dua Lipa a run for their money. Maybe a Glastonbury main stage performance beckons? And Kaspar Larsen, with his five piece band, packed a powerful punch during his support slot, reminding me a lot of Bon Iver, with heartfelt songs and powerful, intense musical arrangements. Another local name to watch.
Remember to check out all three artists on Spotify and other sites, and always remember to support local music, and local independent venues.
