Noisemakers' Guild took to the stage at The Chapel for a performance with Italian jazz funk band Club Rivera. With young local singer-songwriter Jude Forsey in support, the night was one to remember...
Angel Microbrewery’s The Chapel played host to a fantastic night of live music on a cold and rainy February night, showcasing an exciting mix of emerging and established talent. With a packed (and thus warm!) venue and a buzzing atmosphere, it delivered everything you could want from a grassroots gig.
Setting the tone was opening act Jude Forsey, a 17-year-old singer-songwriter who, even at his young age, already possesses a distinctive style that blends pop, indie, and electronic influences, and has been making a name for himself in the local scene.
Forsey's set featured tracks from his latest EP, including It’s All A Waste, a reflective yet infectious song that highlights his knack for melody and introspective lyrics.
Having started producing music almost five years ago, he’s rapidly developing as both a musician and performer, with his impressive vocals and guitar work, and more importantly, fun crowd engagement.
Next up were special guests, Club Rivera, a touring Sicilian band who dropped by to Notts the night after a sell-out show in London's Servant Jazz Quarters with an effortlessly cool, genre-blending sound. Formed by drummer/producer Antonio Calandra and guitarist/vocalist Francesco Arena, the group fuses elements of house, jazz, and hip-hop, all while maintaining a laid-back Mediterranean groove.
Added to tonight's lineup was producer Calti, who I saw perform a year ago with tonight's headliners, alongside the Manga Electronic Soul band Murdah SRVC. His sparkling keyboard added lots to the mix, with flowing saxophone from Francesco Longo standing out and the tight basslines of Mario Nasello making the perfect chill vibe before we rocked out again shortly.
Club Rivera's performance was immersive and dynamic, featuring highlights from their 2023 album Elements, including the Negroni soaked Mood and the funky bop of Ike and Sean. The mix of electronic beats, smooth guitar lines, and rhythmic complexity made for an engaging set, transporting the audience beyond the confines of The Chapel to something altogether more sun-drenched and atmospheric.
Closing the night in style were the East Midlands' own Noisemakers' Guild, who delivered a high-energy, unforgettable set. Their repertoire of songs was both varied and powerful, keeping the crowd hooked throughout. Guitarist Jez Sullivan, formerly of Nottingham group Heroes of Switzerland, was nothing short of phenomenal. His playing was rich with delay-soaked arpeggios, shimmering harmonics, and intricate fretwork, drawing comparisons to U2’s The Edge from at least one impressed spectator.
His interplay with frontman Lee Heir (ex-Prime vocalist) was electric, with Lee exuding a Jagger-esque swagger, commanding the stage with undeniable charisma, sharp wit, and soaring vocals. Backing them up with a rock-solid groove were drummer Kikey Kumar and bassist Kev Munson, whose rhythm section was particularly impressive on their triumphant finale, the 10 minute long odyssey Desert Song - a recently recorded debut track available on the group's Bandcamp page.
When the final notes rang out, the crowd weren’t ready to let go just yet, demanding an encore—which the band duly delivered with a fiery rendition of R.E.M.’s Crush with Eyeliner.
With a full venue, great sound, and three distinct yet equally compelling performances, this was a gig that reinforced Nottingham’s reputation as a hotspot for live music. All acts brought something unique, and each one is well worth keeping an eye on for their future musical endeavours.
Noisemakers' Guild performed at The Chapel on 7th February 2025.
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