Music / Bristol
Review: The Nightjarr, The Cube
Walking into the Cube Microplex for the The Nightjar’s debut LP launch was not too dissimilar to being hugged by a dear friend. The sold out show was a culmination of a year’s hard work for the London/Bristol based quintet and boy, were we ready for it! The Cube was a perfect venue – half quirky/cool, half like being in a mates living room – and bursting with an atmosphere of support and appreciation. All 105 velvety red chairs full with the cities finest, a true testament of the anticipation for this record, as there was a lot going on that night.
As I came from dashing between work, squeezing in a quick play at the PRSC (Things We Do Not Know FYI – and crikey that was good too!) to head down to The Cube, I felt in that weird space when you are forced to flip between new settings too quickly and you have to walk into a new room, get a drink and by-heck, recalibrate sharpish. Well this was one of those nights, so as I entered The Cube, slightly late, I was already on the back foot. This lasted for about 10 seconds, before the good feeling vibes radiated out to me.
The Nightjar is a beautifully balanced harmony, both literally and metaphorically. These 4 friends craft their songs with a delicate to and fro of people who create their best work together. Fronted by the magical Mo Kirby whose voice wouldn’t be out of place being compared to Joan Baez. Although that doesn’t really give justice to their own brand of folk. Self-declared as ‘Lo-fi post folk’, you can hear influences ranging from a much broader pool than the usual for mined folk heroes.
is needed now More than ever
These well-seasoned musicians are incredibly capable and the gig felt special, personal, like we were lucky enough to be invited to a moment in their history. This new album launch came with visuals accompanied by Bristol’s best photographer, Paul Blakemore, and lighting design by super talented Anna Barrett, and of course, sound man to the stars, Ben Capp. All rounding up to a who’s who in Bristol’s best kept secret… If you every get a chance to see The Nightjar, do it – before you know it, they won’t be playing cosy little venues in Bristol anymore!
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