The Big Moon

by Alex 6 November 2016

Being a fan of a new artist is always rewarding when, over a period of months, they find more and more success. For me, London quartet The Big Moon epitomise that sensation. From supporting Peace and The Maccabees to signing with Fiction Records earlier this year, their journey has been a non-stop upward spiral. Despite not even having announced their debut album, they stopped for a triumphant Norwich headline debut and proved that they’ve got it all, baby.

Joining them on the road are Trudy and the Romance, a three piece from t’north whose Britpoppy tunes, whilst catchy, become a little monotonous after a while. Much more enjoyable in fact are Norwich’s own Dazy Crown; based at UEA, the quartet are intoxicatingly good, bringing lo-fi Alvvays and Tame Impala vibes through a series of dreamy psych numbers. The saccharine Honeydew could be wrapped, packed and sent off to a label with a minute’s notice, and The Ruminations of Japhy Ryder sees bassist Tom absolutely jam out in an appropriately awe-inspiring shimmery jacket. There’s even an ambitious (but successful!) clap along.

Opening with Silent Movie Susie, The Big Moon engulf the Waterfront Studio in fuzzy guitars and dreamy vocals. Fronting the group, Juliette Jackson seems perfectly casual as she leads the jaunty Nothing Without You, before a cheery “Norwich! Norwich!” chant on stage gets us all acquainted. Aside from a support slot with Mystery Jets downstairs before the summer, it’s the band’s first visit to our humble city, but for a Wednesday night the audience is big and lively.

A range of new material is aired. Formidable is a live regular, starting slow before rising into infectious ‘woah-oah’s. The rather timely Bonfire sees Jackson ditch her guitar for a verse to loom over the barrier and snarl in the faces of baying fans. The End, which “we’ve been waiting to play for a while”, according to bassist Celia Archer, grumbles, emphasising the powerful sound these four relative newcomers have yet to unleash.

Being a bit under the weather, Jackson gets a little help singing the hits. Cupid ups the energy towards the front, and a flurry of feedback leads into The Road which, although slower, maintains a thorough buzz. We’re left encore-less unfortunately, but Sucker is a worthy closer, with grungey guitars floating around a catchy chorus. Tonight proves that The Big Moon are all set and ready to hit it big time. What 2017 holds is yet to be revealed, but watch this space because it’s certainly going to be brilliant.