I SEE RIVERS / ADWAITH / PEIRIANT | LIVE REVIEW
Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff, Fri 28 June
The current mercury-soaring weather engulfing the nation failed to deter a cross-section of gig-goers from attending the downstairs space at Clwb Ifor Bach on Friday night. Initial support materialised in the form of Swansea-based duo Peiriant, comprising Rose and Dan Linn-Pearl, who summoned an assured degree of mystique which lulled and intrigued in equal measure; deploying a sequence of haunting soundscapes, attracting the curiosity of those familiar with their work and new listeners alike. Coupling a sonorous, often unnerving, enlistment of the violin with a flexible command of the electric guitar, the pair introduced an unvarnished sense of avant-garde artistry to an oscillating set, which also included a unique accompaniment to a recorded recital from poet Childe Roland.
Carmarthen three-piece Adwaith injected momentum into the evening, kickstarting a peppy-paced performance, flaunting livewire indie rock antics and occasional subdued interludes to a chorus of approval from attendees. Trading between laidback melodies, recalling Kings Of Convenience, and pared-down postpunk, the trio thrived on a raw untrammeled energy, as evident on Lipstick Coch and Orange Sopha, where lead vocalist Hollie Singer regaled of its singular origins.
The Norwegian, recently Tenby-based, outfit I See Rivers have enjoyed considerable attention of late, having played Festival No. 6 last year and recently featuring as part of Horizons. Justifying their emerging talent status, Eline Brun, Gøril Nilsen and Lill Scheie established a mesmeric presence within the Cardiff venue; brandishing a bombastic, often shimmering strand of folk, lending a degree of gravitas to the room, a style which has garnered inevitable comparison to First Aid Kit’s sun-speckled fare.
Play It Cool’s sparkling pop prowess and the effervescent radiance of Helios, lead single from their upcoming debut album, of which they are crowdfunding, proved particularly popular with punters; interspersing tracks with a warm rapport, forging a rewarding atmosphere. The headliners voiced appreciation for the ample turnout, a gesture which gained resounding recognition; the audience captivated throughout.
words CHRIS HAMILTON-PEACH photos OLLIE COULING
