Live Review: ME REX, Schande & ACHB at The Carousel

Words: Bassey

Photos: James Birtwhistle

Tuesday 23 July 2024

reading time: min, words

The Carousel Hockley Music

The Carousel over in Hockley is quickly becoming one of the go-to spots for excellent live music from up-and-coming local artists. Heading along to the venue for the first time was our writer Bassey, who managed to catch the trio of ACHB, Schande and ME REX...

Confession out the way at the start, this was my first visit to The Carousel on Hockley Street in Nottingham. Why have I left it so long! Along with exhibition space, The Carousel is a community of artists and small businesses, with the venue oozing creativity and providing an intimate space for live music performances, parties and any other event that needs a stage and a bar.

First up ACHB, aka Alex and the Christopher Hale Band, normally a 5-piece full electric band were reduced to just 3 members on the night because of a recent hit from Covid - but that didn't stop them delivering a blinding performance. A stripped back acoustic set from Dom and Stephen on guitars and Alex on vocals, they managed to show the audience just why they are a local class act and they soon start a Yorkshire tour, which will hopefully gather them a bigger fanbase. My personal favourite songs on the night were The Worst Way To Die and their recent single Double Agents. Look out Yorkshire!

A quick break outside for some fresh air on the warm Summer's night and then Schande are on stage, a 3-piece band with a big band sound. Fronted by Jen Schande, singer, songwriter and originator of the band, and accompanied by hard-hitting drummer Cat and even harder-hitting bass player Gio, these folks really know how to deliver a tight and powerful sound. Original roots are from California but the band are now based in London and I listened to their songs with a big smile. I was reminded of the sounds of Grandaddy which is no bad thing to me.

Thoughtful indie rock and unusual guitar riffs filled the room, leaving the bass to concentrate heavily on the root notes and the drums to develop powerful rhythms. The pace was furious with very little time to catch your breath between songs, a packed room bouncing in time to the activity on stage. Even relentless energy has to stop at some time and Schande suddenly reminded everyone that their set had ended. Noooooo.....

Another quick break outside to get some fresh air in our lungs, as we could already hear ME REX warming up!

Ok, so there's two versions of ME REX: the 3-piece indie rock band version with Myles McCabe (vocals), Phebe Cross (drums/vocals) and Rich Mandell (Bass/Keys/Vocals). Then there's the electronic solo Myles McCabe version. Tonight, we got the solo sounds and armed with synths, drum beats and recorded loops, Myles gave a really special performance and quickly seemed at ease with the audience.

It might have been my imagination but I swear the room and the audience was now bigger, the light show was brighter and the air was cooler. My personal favourite ME REX songs include Sugar Rex, Eutherians, Giant Giant Giant and Infinity Worms. In fact, any of the released singles and Myles effortlessly played synth, twiddled effect controls and sang a blinding set. A master performance that would have gone down well at any EMOM (Electronic Music Open Mic) night, with plenty of experimental variations on the 3-piece indie band sounds. I'm surprised Myles has only decided to play three venues in this mini solo tour (London/Nottingham/Leicester) but at least The Carousel audience had the chance to see his live show.

Thanks to ME REX, Schande and ACHB. A great Summer's night was had by all at The Carousel!

ME REX, Schande and ACHB performed at The Carousel on 20th July 2024.

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