Gig review: Hachiku at The Grove, with Lucy Crisp and Emzae

First up was Emzae, who may technically be from Derby, but has become a regular on the Nottingham gig circuit. She performed a variety of tracks, including some from her debut album All Those Things I Thought I Knew, crafting sound loops live on stage with a keyboard while a backing track added layered vocals that sounded immaculate - thanks in no small part to The Grove’s impressive sound quality.

Highlights included the brutally honest and soul-bearing I Guess, Anyway, the dreamy and atmospheric Lucid Dreaming, and a cover of Sweet Harmony by The Beloved (which I’m told is from the nineties, and thus “before my time”). There were many murmurs in the crowd that this was Emzae’s best show to date. While I can’t compare, being my first time seeing her live, I trust the verdict.

Next was Lucy Crisp, another local pop princess I’ve been eager to see. She opened with Ghostin, an unreleased track, before moving into a selection from her EP 65 Roses - named after the childhood mispronunciation of cystic fibrosis, a condition Crisp lives with and powerfully raises awareness for. She also delivered a cover of I Would Die 4 U by Prince and debuted a new track, Maze, set for release on 28th May - definitely one to keep an eye out for.

Crisp owned the stage, performing with the confidence and energy essential to delivering her upbeat, infectious pop to full effect. She’s a passionate artist with a unique story, and there’s no better way to experience that than through her live shows. She’s had a few support slots at The Bodega recently, but if you’ve missed those, I highly recommend keeping an eye on her socials for future dates.

Then came the headliner - an artist from a little further afield than Emzae or Lucy Crisp. And when I say further, I mean much further. Australia’s Hachiku are currently touring the UK and made a stop at The Grove. I always wonder: how do artists from the other side of the world hear about such a small venue, one even locals are only just discovering? It’s only been open since last August, after all. Sadly, I didn’t get to ask.

The show - and the tour more broadly - has acted as a series of informal launch parties for their latest album, The Joys of Being Pure at Heart, which was released in February. Unsurprisingly, they opened the set with Don’t Put Your Head Underwater, the album’s first track. The band immediately created a warm and welcoming atmosphere - helped by the fact that many audience members were seated - making it feel more like a living room performance than a gig, which suited them perfectly.

Other tracks from the album soon followed, including Time Wasted Worrying, Tell Your Friends You Love Them, and Keep On Swimming, along with older favourites like Zombie Slayer and Shark Attack. They closed the set with a trio of tracks from the new album - Do You Like What You See in Me, Fun For Everyone, and Room For Everybody (Never Let Go of the Joy). The Melbourne outfit’s second project shone throughout, though it was a shame that more people weren’t there to hear it. While the crowd was small, it was attentive and appreciative; still, a band like Hachiku surely deserves a broader audience.

The Joys of Being Pure at Heart is a heartfelt exploration of vulnerability, resilience and connection - and that feeling was tangible throughout the room, filled with familiar faces and friends. Hopefully, Hachiku enjoyed their UK visit, especially their stop in Nottingham. However they discovered our tiny little venue and recording studio in Sneinton Avenues, I’m very grateful they did.

Hachiku performed at The Grove on 12th May 2025.

@hachikumusic