Gig: She’s In Parties @ Colchester Arts Centre
She’s In Parties by Jonathan Dadds
She’s In Parties are a band I’ve been following for a while now, a local band that doesn’t feel like just a local band - it always feels like when I hear about a new release or a tour it’s in a national magazine or from people in the music scene further away. The fact this is their first time headlining Colchester Arts Centre feels a bit overdue and the size of the audience tonight backs that up - you couldn’t hope for a better crowd celebrating your most recent release at a hometown show.
Evy Frearson
Before they take to the stage though, we’ve got two acts to things started. First up is Evy Frearson with her band, playing a short set of sort of dreamy indie rock Musically she’s a really good fit opening for She’s In Parties, with reverb-soaked guitars and lush vocals.
Generation Feral
They’re also joined by Generation Feral - I’ve caught Izzy performing live quite a lot recently, she’s supported pretty much every successful local band in the last year or so, and she gets better with each performance. During the solo part of the set a lot of sections are heavily looped, she’s upped her game since last time, looping the ukulele before moving to the piano to continue the song. The later half of the set she’s joined by a backing band and the songs sound great in a full band format. I know she’s been able to play across the UK recently (and plays in Cardiff fairly often) - hopefully Generation Feral gets more opportunities to tour and be heard by more people soon.
She’s In Parties
By the time She’s In Parties takes to the stage there’s a real buzz in the room. There’s a short video projected before they come on stage and the style of it just shows how consistent they are with their aesthetic. The visual element of the band is as carefully presented as the music is - visuals certainly have a bit of a retro feel to them, somehow as ethereal as the music itself. They’re here today to launch their new EP, Puppet Show, five beautifully produced tracks, all of which get an airing tonight. Puppet Show itself sounds incredible live, starting with the synthesisers from the recording before breaking into the song. Earlier standout track Angelic goes down well, with its incredible airy sound. There was no chance the band wouldn’t be brought back out for an encore, the energy in the room tonight is incredible - they might be a band who’ve been getting a lot of attention nationally but it’s pretty clear how well-loved they are still locally. I’m certain it won’t be the last time they headline Colchester’s beautiful Arts Centre.
