SUNDARA KARMA | LIVE REVIEW
Y Stiwdio, Cardiff University Students Union, Thurs 23 Feb
Cardiff’s Students Union building has had two successful venues at their disposal, Y Plas and the Great Hall, for some time now, but although they have both welcomed enormous acts through their doors, the establishment has resorted in the past to using the 350-strong CF10 venue for more intimate gigs. This evening, however, Y Stiwdio – the cloakroom adjacent Y Plas – had been decked out with lights, barriers and a floor stage to welcome Sundara Karma. As 7.30pm chimed, a mass of teenagers splashed in pink glitter, brightly coloured attire and pre-drink frivolity came skipping through the doors.
Previously grabbing features in NME and having tracks played by Radio 1’s Huw Stephens, Cardiff-based quintet Palm Honey were more than ready to open the evening. Placing a cardboard stand atop their amplifier adorned with their title, the thrifty indie outfit’s ‘out of the basement’ sound was right up the audience’s alley. With the saxophonist blaring amidst the background of a rumble of guitar and bass, You Stole My Blackout, Bones and I Can Try were three tracks that stood out.
Will Joseph Cook’s set was not only impressive but surprisingly colour co-ordinated: a yellow Viscose pyjama shirt complementing his pink microphone, Fender guitar and bleach-blond hair. Recently having single Beach (I Wanna Make You Mine) featured as Radio 1’s hottest record, he was met by an audience raring to hear his work. Heavy in hand gestures as he sang, Cook and band’s indie-pop-rock kept people dancing and girls screaming throughout.
Sundara Karma’s tour had previously featured oversized balloons being released into the space, but in this instance the majority popped on the exposed piping’s sharp edges. Regardless, the Reading four-piece walked out and began with A Young Understanding. Oscar Pollock flung his signature silver locks left and right, reflecting the stage lights as he swayed to the music; those pressed against the barriers extended their arms in an instinctive attempt to grab the frontman (with no success, fortunately for the young singer). Next to him, Ally Batty and Dominic Cordell were flooded in beams of white light as they showcased their new album Youth Is Only Ever Fun In Retrospect. Their radio-friendly indie rock offers a modern blend of 90s nostalgia and contemporary pop, with big tracks Flame, Watching From Great Heights and She Said all receiving a surge of positive responses.
Finishing on the adrenaline-packed Loveblood, the atmosphere was heavy with evaporating sweat, an ever-rising temperature and a rich enthusiasm to sing every lyric before the entertaining evening had come to a conclusion.
words and photos NATHAN ROACH