A special evening of experimental folk at the unique, intimate venue By Our Hands, in Sneinton Avenues...
Just a hop away from LeftLion HQ, I met up with fellow LeftLioneer Nigel King at the venue By Our Hands in Sneinton Market. A unique and creative space that hosts many varied events including woodworking courses and music (not at the same time though!), please check them out.
We walked into an intimate setting, with retro wood planes, clamps and bow saws decorating the walls, seats for the audience and a small stage area for the musicians. Experimental Folk is not given the attention it deserves but the event was organised by the DIY indie label Hello Thor and the room was packed with eager folks who wanted to see three musicians from this genre.
First up was the talented Leah Sinead who is also known as the frontperson and singer songwriter for the band Keto, armed with just one 6-stringed acoustic guitar, one capo, one clip-on guitar tuner and one melancholy voice. A mix of old and new songs, Leah delivered a masterclass performance and the audience gave 100% attention. I've not heard Leah perform for quite a while in Nottingham and this was a much appreciated comeback to our music scene-can we have more please.
Next up, the artist R.Dyer from Brighton, although they pointed out that they were born in Southampton and lived briefly in Loughborough! Avant-Folk/Experimental-Folk sounds from almost anything. Sax, harp, bowing a saw, blowing into a bottle, wind chimes, alongside recordings of birdsong, rain, covid lockdown advice: R.Dyer had everything in their tracks. Looped and layered creations that provided the perfect background for haunting vocals. Often painful and intimate lyrics, inviting the audience to share their little victories throughout the songs whilst crouched into the smallest of spaces to play their instruments. A powerful performance and an artist to remember.
Final artist of the evening was Ben McElroy, local guru of the drone sounds and experimental-folk music. Ben stepped on stage just as it was announced that England had scored the winning goal against Holland. Spirits were high and Ben was armed with various-sized violins, penny whistle, recorder, clarinet and acoustic guitar, to entertain the room. I've been a fan of his work since first hearing the album How I Learnt To Disengage From The Pack in 2022; The Guardian even made it Folk Album of the year!
Layered tracks that celebrate a lo-fi production and all stitched together by vocals that are sometimes only just audible. Soundscapes that demand your attention and a pin dropping quiet room didn't want to miss a note. The music could have lasted all night but, as with all good things, time was eventually called and the tiny By Our Hands room was filled with applause for the performances from Ben. Leah and R.Dyer. Thank you to the musicians, By Our Hands venue and Hello Thor indie label for all putting together an evening of folk creations that will be remembered for a long time.
Ben McElroy performed at By Our Hands We Make Our Way on 10th July 2024, with support from R.Dyer and Leah Sinead.
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