It's always a special experience when you get the chance to see someone perform for the first time, and these three Nottingham artists did not disappoint...
On a balmy Friday evening at The Bodega, the evening kicked off with the talented Lily Clarkson who gave an intimate, acoustic set that created a special atmosphere. I understand that Lily is busy supporting several acts in Nottingham at the moment and I hope she grows into a main Nottingham artist soon. She delivered a set of personal and emotional songs on acoustic guitar that left the audience speechless and set the mood for the second support act.....
Cracked Hands: are they spoken word backed by guitar riffs or melodic guitar lines accompanied by the spoken word? I don't know the answer but many cheers to this Nottingham duo for their experimental sounds. Deeply personal and emotional vocals from Milla Tebbs alongside some outstanding guitar work by Tom Hooley kept the audience silent throughout. I honestly could not decide who was the dominate performer from these two artists and I think that is their strength. Deeply personal words crashed alongside tumbling and sometimes fragile guitar riffs. If you like surprises, you'll like Cracked Hands.
And in the blink of an eye, on walked Catmilk. I'd been looking forward to seeing these guys perform live for some time - a big crowd had also come out to see them and they did not let us down. They are a four-piece band delivering dreamy, broody folk sounds, along with sad vocals from Alex Milne and an almost grunge feel.
So many genres and so much talent from this local band, with songs of love and sorrow, development and fragility, joy and loss. Bass and drums made a tight backdrop for the gritty rhythm guitaring and superb lead riffs soaring over the top, plus occasional keys to add another subtle layer upon layer of sounds that constantly changed intensity throughout.
It's no surprise that BBC Introducing have featured Catmilk recently. The audience even forgave them on a restart to one of their songs.
Three acts from Nottingham, three cheers to them.
Catmilk performed at The Bodega on 8 September 2023.
bodeganottingham.com
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