On the eve of The Mercury Music Prize award ceremony in Newcastle ,The Grove was the venue for one of the many fringe events held across the city in the run up to the main event .
Rye
The crowd at the sold out venue were in particular high spirits awaiting eagerly for the opening act Rye. Rye, a Lithuanian born artist now residing in Newcastle, has been making herself known with the local tapestry. Earning features on BBC Radio 6 as well as performing as part of a BBC Introducing showcase.
This is thanks in large part to the way in which her music explores themes of such simple complexity – things that are universally human but at the same time immensely profound and cavernous. Creating a sound which is inherently rich, but also feels easily accessible to anyone.
Her melancholic/ alt pop /Folk. Style apparent, as she flowed through her set playing songs from her “I Feel Everything”. She also treated all in attendance to some newer material such as “Could You Be Quiet Now” and “I Didn’t Want This“. The audience seemed to lap it up and were completely charmed, being welcomed into her world.
Finn Forster
This singer /songwriter, hailing from Middlesbrough , is no stranger to the local music scene. Playing and increasing number of gigs over the last few years. Upgrading in venues increasing in size and topping it all off with some notable support slots. The most impressive of which has to be opening for The Stereophonics on their most recent UK arena tour.
Playing with his full band tonight, Finn meant business, as he launched into his growing repertoire with tracks from his “Embers” and “Grey skies” EP’s. His anthemic indie folk-rock songs like “Can’t back down” and “Grey skies” soon had a chorus of singing locals adding to his own. But still his vocals, that have a refined quality yet – still with a delicately nuanced grit, completely stood out.
Clearly at ease on the stage , Finn joked with the crowd regarding his appearance on the local news the night before, before playing 3 new songs: “Over & Over”, “Kitchen Cowboys“, and “Pablo”, were all very well received, yet another good omen for this growing musician. “Stay right til the end” finished off a highly polished set, proving that Finn & his band are more than ready for bigger things inevitably ahead .
Adult DVD
Headlining tonight’s event was Leeds-based Adult DVD. With a whirling of synths, then a kick of a drum, the band dove head first into “Yacht Money” and then the ambush had truly began. Adult DVD make music that inspires you to dance to it, your feet having no choice but to cave to its demands.
It’s hard to pinpoint their exact musical style but think maybe LCD Soundsystem, throw in a bit of early Kasabian, and a hint of Mark E Smith – then perhaps you’d be somewhere near the mark. The killer set was packed with fan favourites like “Broken English” , “Dogs in the sun” , “Do Something”, and “Because I like it” keeping the packed room on its toes throughout the sets entirety.
Closing the set, and drawing the curtain on the whole evening, was the genius track “Bill Murray“. A song inspired by the whimsical fan theory that he and Tom Hanks are one in the same. And, much like a Tom Hank’s film, it left everyone wanting more.
Catch them if you can…..you won’t regret it .
The Mercury Fringefest was a perfect example of why the North East was the ideal choice for this year’s Mercury’s. A place where, when given the opportunity, great music and great crowds come together.
Umbra Music 