Music / Review
Review: STANLAEY, Strange Brew – ‘A concotion of genres, sounds and lyrics that is completely bewitching’
Bethany Stenning AKA STANLAEY is an independent producer, composer and multi-instrumentalist based in Bristol.
Her sophomore album, the_everything_inbetween, was released at the beginning of the month and she took over the venue for a live performance of the album in it’s entirety.
With support from boci and Memotone, the venue was filled with people with a warm glow casted around and people huddled together, it felt like a separate world from the darkness outside.
is needed now More than ever
Fusing electronic sound with jazz and folk influences, STANLAEY’s distinctive vocals were layered with sounds of the saxaphone, violin, bass, keys and harp. Usually performing with a four piece band, this special gig saw the singer be joined by three extra members.
If, at first, it was a slightly disconcerting sound, it was quickly washed away as the group settled into the groove of each song. Each instrument complimenting the other to make a unique style of music.
https://www.instagram.com/p/ClnpyOHMIX4/?hl=en
Stenning herself was effortless as she moved between guitar, keys and harp and from song to song, creating a journey for the audience to follow and immerse themselves in.
However, one of the standouts had to be Dave Sanders on the saxophone. The whole crowd watched capitvated as he took several songs, in particular glass_hands, to another level. It’s a testiment to Stenning to know how talented Sanders is and how much he brings to her songs.
The album has been in progress since 2019 and it is clear that it is a labour love between not only Stenning but also her collaborators.
A concotion of genres, sounds and lyrics that is completely bewitching.
Main photo: Issy Packer
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