In little over a year of existence Sounddhism has quickly established itself as one of the most talked about nights in Nottingham, so loved that The Bodega felt it was the night up for the task of taking on Guy Fawkes. Fair to say Comrade Fawkes was suitably humbled by the soul, funk and groove of another incredible Sounddhism party.
Over the four years we’ve followed his work it’s been an incredible honour to witness the evolution of KIRK SPENCER as a musician, producer and now as a ‘band’, but last night I was nervous. Witnessing the new set-up for the first time was an anxious moment, could Kirk, drum machine Ben and vocalist Marita pull off those epic tracks live, the classic challenge for any electronic artist?
Yes, yes and yes again. Or maybe that should be no because they didn’t just pull it off they nailed it, buried the nail and then nailed it again. This was an awesome performance in its own right as well as symbolically, highlighting how much the live band has progressed and in that process hinting at what more is to come. What’s not to love about a cocky vocalist giving it her all? A producer who actually looks like he’s having fun rather than checking his emails? A drummer who gives the machines a run for their money whilst wearing a retro drumstick t-shirt (more musicians need to put in that extra effort and co-ordinate their outfit with their instrument).
Having just been commissioned to remix the soundtrack on a Playstation3 game the future is clearly bright, the only question is precisely how bright? KIRK SPENCER to open the Olympics next year perhaps? Come on Boris make it happen!
Since HARLEIGHBLU‘s Future Session for us in our Notts Unsigned days it’s been incredibly exciting to watch her rise, and rise, and rise. Sounddhism has played an important part in that rise and so it seemed apt to experience the new band for the first time courtesy of the Sounddhism Family. Not just a new band line-up but an impressive diversity of new songs, from the tender stripped back soulful vibe of ‘Let It Be‘ to the funk, groove and South American vibes of ‘Latin Song‘. Oh, and her new sax player is a legend!
There is no doubt in my mind this is an artist going to the very top, awesome songs brilliantly performed by a band that create a real rousing feel to the tracks. At times it felt like I was witnessing HARLEIGHBLU and Her Soul Orchestra, Jools Holland would have loved it and surely they’ll end up on his show at some point in the not too distant future. Come on Jools sort it out!
What a talent, as the girl next to me screamed as we all tried to encourage an encore, ‘I want to be her’. I hear ya my friend, I hear ya.
vlr
x
PS Sorry to LOUIS SCOTT who we missed but who’s tunes we’ve been loving on the podcast and we have scheduled in for a Future Session before Christmas.
