To help launch Huw Stephens’ new 6 Music weekday show, there was a free Thursday night gig in Clwb Ifor Bach, supported by Cardiff Music Board. The venue has long been a base for emerging artists, and it feels fitting that tonight it’s hosting some of Cardiff’s best upcoming acts.
Between three fine live sets, Stephens even takes a moment to immortalise the sold-out crowd for his radio quiz segment, recording different tiers of cheering for future playback. The night’s opener, Mali Hâf, is adorned with Celtic paint markings and gives a hypnotic performance: Welsh-language folk-dance hybrid fusing ritualism and performance art, concluding with previous single Boudicca where dancers masked as foxes swarm the stage – a vibrant Björk-influenced first for the scene.
The Family Battenberg, known for their fuzzy brand of 70s-styled psych-garage rock, are next on the bill. Singing guitarist Eliot Jones’ captivating presence keeps you from looking away, and the quartet clearly hold a natural flair for stirring a crowd – during tracks like Feed Yer (Nganga) and Runny Hunny, it feels like the floor could collapse beneath the fizzing onlookers.
After a short speech of thanks and commemorations, Stephens gleefully introduces the night’s main showpiece. “I love the fact that a band from Church Village are smashing it! Croeso cynnes – please give a massive big up to CVC!” Opening with Good Morning Vietnam, you’re immediately reminded why this band have attained success in the last 12 months: whether it be their tight performance, excellent musicianship, or the unspoken spirit of camaraderie between each member; everything works. Of course, they’ve been touring so much that they must have it down to a T, but there really is something special about these six.
Winston follows next and the trademark CVC crowd-bobbing ensues. Perhaps encouraged by vocalist Francesco Orsi, or just the audience feeling the beat, the entire audience moves in unison to this track. After a stylish guitar-duet interlude between David Bassey and Elliot Bradfield, Bradfield takes to the saxophone before we hear Music Stuff. While most of this performance is a run through of their year-old debut album Get Real, they announce the imminent release of aptly titled B-side album, B-Real.
Sophie is a crowd favourite – every word recited back to the band, followed by an unexpected rendition of Fight For Your Right sung by keyboardist Daniel Jones (can everyone in this band sing?) before the night concludes with Docking The Pay. CVC are a remarkable experience, one which everyone should see at least once.
CVC, The Family Battenberg + Mali Hâf, Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff, Thurs 11 Jan
words TERESA DELFINO photos NADINE BALLENTYNE
