Words originally for Outline Magazine
The
Bicycle Shop on St. Benedicts Street is a landmark in Norwich’s grassroots music
scene, and, unusually, a venue I’ve never visited before. Tonight the almost
intimidatingly adorable downstairs room of the café is all set up for live
music from singer/songwriter Eliza Shaddad. Aptly, it’s my first time seeing
both acts on the evening’s line up, and there’s excitement in the atmosphere.
Milly
Hirst opens proceedings. I’m won over instantly. Her wistful, acoustic songs
are enchanting, stunningly crafted with delightfully candid lyrics. Vocally,
there are no flaws. Every word of every line is clear and strong, offset
beautifully by Hirst’s simple guitar tickles. An a capella song that, “normally
has a harmonium on it”, stands out firmly as a mesmerising highlight, as does Mary, written posthumously about Hirst’s
grandmother which holds an intriguing narrative.
You may
know Eliza Shaddad from a variety of projects. Not only is she a founding
member of female art collective Girls Girls Girls, she’s also worked on tracks
with Clean Bandit. Tonight, she adopts a singer-songwriter persona, in
promotion of her latest Run EP.
We’re
treated to, “a big mix of old and new things”, from Shaddad, who is accompanied
by a male drummer and bassist. The sound is slightly stifled in the small room
but her silky vocals still flow beautifully, contrasting well with crashing
cymbals. Wars is the first standout
moment, upbeat but sombre, comparable to Lianne La Havas or Laura Mvula. Track
titles are hard to catch, but the majority of the show consists of captivating
mid-tempo songs with emotive lyrics. It’s nostalgia inspiring, appropriate
given the somewhat ramshackle performance space.
Always and Run, from the EP, come towards the end, before “our most upbeat
song… it’s about death” Waters closes
a night of bewitching musical storytelling.
Eliza Shaddad's Run EP is out now.
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