I went into this gig with genuine excitement and no little anxiety - how would they come across live, and have I dragged my mate to something he'll hate? The Prince Albert was almost deserted on arrival, which kind of contradicted my comments about how they should be playing somewhere bigger -even suggesting The Haunt.
Opening act Short People came on and delivered their brand of Small Faces meets Brit Pop to a building crowd that greeted them warmly but it was semi local (Hastings) band Kid Kapichi that shifted things up a gear, bringing with them a sizeable following. It's hard to place their sound but it's somewhere between Punk and '70s Rock - a bit like early Manic Street Preachers. By the end of their set the room was packed and you feel feel the excitement building.
Shortly before Calva Louise were due the photographers appeared, a sure sign of a band with forward momentum and the room was now getting very hot - full as it was now.
Then the lights dipped, the music faded out to be replaced with the Countdown 30 second clock. A perfect way to increase the anticipation before the band hit the stage and launched straight in to I'm Gonna Do Well - a statement of intent if ever there was one. Jess and Alizon bounced around the stage and the sheer enjoyment both on and off the stage was unavoidable. Outrageous followed and the crowd went with it. Between songs Jess chatted away about the tour so far and what some of the songs meant. Moments of calm before they launched into the next number. There's no doubt that Jess is a remarkably charismatic presence in stage. Her distinctive vocals never faltered no matter how much she careered around the stage, screamed or thrashed at her guitar. Alizon and her would occasionally face off like in some ritual challenge before wheeling away in unison, all whilst drummer Ben keeps everything tight. Almost the entire album was played before a rousing Getting Closer finished the show. Everyone had thoroughly enjoyed themselves but they were out of songs by now and it was time to unplug and pack away. In the midst of this the crowd broke into a chant of 'one more song'. 'Are you sure?' asked Jess before the band nervously looked at each other, laughed and committed themselves. Picking back up their instruments and plugging back in the treated us to an improvised rendition of long retired song Eleanor - a cracking track in itself and apparently the only other song they know.
And with that they really were done. All that was left was to swing by the merch and picked up a copy of the comic book - apparently all Jess's work too. I got there to discover Alizon on the desk who promptly insisted I have a signed poster too and he dragged the others over to complete the set. They all stayed and chatted and a good 20 minutes was spent chatting with them all - it seemed the band enjoyed this show as much as we did.
We all agreed they should play Brighton again. I fully expect that to be a bigger venue next time!
The only downside was all my photos came out pretty blurred but I won't be forgetting this one any time.
Calva Louise have raised the bar high for gigs for the rest of the year and staked their challenge for my favourite new band. They're looking tough to beat right now. I too think they're gonna do well.
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