Rue Royale - The Bicycle Shop

There is something satisfyingly complete about this band, in this venue, with these songs. Nestled in between the low lights, tilted photo frames, books and board games that enclose the Bicycle Shop's staging, Rue Royale set about crafting an evening out of their heady, subtly balanced soundscapes. I was at the significantly larger Arts Centre when the duo last played Norwich, and whilst they were really very good then, the chance to watch them at work in close quarters here undeniably brings something extra to what the instantly likeable Ruth and Brookln Dekker do. The latter's voice; full, thick, and throaty at its heights, provides an ideal foil for the former' soft, breathy vocal. Both are spot on throughout the set, even if the technical setup doesn't quite seem able to keep up with them at their fullest. It's a very slight shame, especially when a crowd-pleaser like UFO is reaching its climactic moments, but in the end it does little to detract from the overall excellence.What impresses immensely is how Rue Royale manage to integrate lyric and harmony so seamlessly into their layered, driving instrumental. It doesn't feel as if there is any backing track here; everything is immediately recognised and poignant. These aspects are so deftly entwined that you sense these rhythmic tales are surely being told to their fullest potential, and what comes out of this is a deeply arresting collection of grown up stories for after dusk. In amongst the scent and the flickering of candlelight the couple showcase their splendid songwriting to great effect. Everything is handled with a simple grace, and it's a pleasure to note a steady pouring of synthesiser over their folky foundations that often approaches something stunning. "You've not fallen asleep yet? We tend to have that effect on people" Brookln asks with a wry honesty. This isn't the kind of performance to please everyone, but as something soothing, something warming, to immerse yourself in for a time, it's nothing short of gorgeous.