28 May, 2008

The North. Geographical location or state of mind?

So, another gig sucessfully completed. This one again took us to lands previously known only as untouched pages of the map (but not off the edges thankfully...). Actually we got most of the way this time simply by following signs to 'The North'. In fact, we were following signs to 'The North' long after we felt ourselves to be in 'The North'. So this naturally led us to question where 'The North' begins? And what is 'The North' anyway?

This is perhaps more an indication of our slightly tense, slightly hysterical mental state as we drive to venues on the day of performances than it is a major philosophical question. In my defence, this time I had left home at half past 8 on Saturday morning and was travelling for over 8 hours (if you include the 25 minutes it took to get out of the train station at Hereford and the 20 minute tea-and-muffin stop at the services on the M1 - which of course I do...)

We arrived at the Intake Club (hidden away in a housing estate) typically early to admire our new t-shirts, meet Breathing Space and watch them soundcheck. 3 hours later we were still admiring our new t-shirts, still meeting Breathing Space and still watching them soundcheck. Slightly frustrating by just one of those things that happens and ultimately not a problem, as we still got on stage, set up and were ready and raring to go in record (for us) time.

As usual the actual performance is all a bit of a blur. I remember lights, applause, singing, applause, playing flute, talking, singing, more lights and that is about it. I am told it went well and that the sound out front was crystal clear which is great. From comments on the night and since on the forum and via email I think I can say that we were well received, with many audience members declaring themselves new fans. The photos are great - laser light effects and everything as you can see on the live page for the gig.

Breathing Space followed us with an excellent set in two halves with some great melodies and some excellent performances, taking us through to gone midnight. By this point I was considering turning into a pumpkin as I had been awake for quite some time and was beginning to tire somewhat. So after packing up and saying our goodbyes we headed off to Jamie's relatives, a 40 minute drive west, and I collapsed gratefully into a bed after a long and tiring day but one that was thoroughly worthwhile and greatly enjoyed.

So, 'The North'. I still don't know where it is but we certainly had a good time there!

Evelyn

28 May, 2008

On the car stereo: The Clash - London Calling, Hard-fi - Stars of CCTV,

Moses Mayfield - The Inside, Beangrowers - Dance Dance Baby.