Sonntag, 2. September 2018

Gig review: brand new friend & Calva Louise.The Waiting Room, London. August 29th. When energy, passion and authenticity create the most stunning gig experience



photo courtesy of Xtra Mile Recordings



'And the stories that you told me, they're all coming true' – in the case of brand new friend's lust for putting on a remarkably vibrant and engaging live show I can confirm that everything you heard of their invitingly infectious pep and presence on stage is true. But let's not rush things and start with the opening act of what has been an evening of phenomenal music and smashing live sets.

Equally fierce and fresh in sound, full of energy and with a feisty attitude to match, Calva Louise opened the night and left their audience in sheer awe about what a group of three young musicians from London could do. From 'Getting Closer', rejoicingly breezy, boisterously nonchalant and trippy, to  'I'm Gonna Do Well', delightfully dynamic, excitingly eery and grungy pop extravaganza at its best, they sure made the people in attendance pay attention, filled the room with staggering riffs and rhythms. I for one can't wait until they have their first official record out and can only recommend to have their latest single 'Outrageous' (which was, no doubt, a crowd-pleaser on wednesday) on repeat until then. 



Well, what's to say now about the moment brand new friend coaxed the first promising sounds out of their instruments? It was everything I imagined it to be and more. The band's zest and comradeship was striking, you could literally tell how much they were enjoying to play in that small downstairs venue. Picking a favourite out of their set list though, wouldn't be fair nor easy to do (I was, however, extremely pleased to hear the blissfully buoyant and wistfully warm 'Settle Down' from their debut EP 'American Wives'); yet, Lauren's performance of 'I Love You Goodbye' stood out due to her emotionally gripping, powerful vocal delivery, that's for sure, 'I Was An Astronaut' easily struck a chord because of its endearingly sweet sonic nostalgia whilst 'Hate It When You Have To Go' hit the mark due to ardent harmonies and playful dynamics aplenty; tonal traits that make most of the irish punk-pop outfit's songs so memorable. Reflecting on their gig in total, there was enough to ensure that the crowd would fall for this formidable foursome's joyfully juvenile and spiritedly sweeping music once and for all. And though I already did so a long time ago, I found even more love for brand new friend's rousing songs that magical musical night in the north of London. And for that I'm beyond grateful. 

photo courtesy of Penny In The Arrow


Just like I said, some stories you hear are depicting the truth, in all its unaltered glory. And it's true that both brand new friend and Calva Louise deserve every credit they get, that they deserve all the success that is coming their way, for their mindset and music are commendably grand

[Now, if you think I'm just a good storyteller, convince yourself and see them live/listen to their music here. You'll (eventually) find that every word I said is true].




Reach out & listen to brand new friend // Calva Louise on ...

.. twitter // twitter  ...
.. their official website // their 'official website' ...
.. bandcamp ...


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