Bloodywood Review and Gallery @ The Lanes, Bristol 24.07.19

On Wednesday the 24th of July, 2019 the furiously heavy Bloodywood took to the stage at The Lanes in Bristol. This was the bands first ever UK performance and rightly so, the gig was a sell out!

The Lanes is a truly unique venue which is situated in a retro styled bowling alley, which upon arrival didn't seem the place where a metal show would go down but I was proved otherwise the second the show started.

Sarthak Of Bloodywood

The band announced that this was their first ever time in the UK and their first ever tour! This was fantastic to see how an internet phenomenon take the world on with their important message behind them. I felt very honoured to be apart of this brilliant show and I was seriously looking forward to shooting them live.

The venue was packed, every single person who bought a ticket was in the room and the floor above, jumping around, moshing and singing their hearts out. The vocalist went into the crowd and was welcomed by a surge of singing, sweaty fans around him. The band quoted "we thought we'd be playing to about 10 people each night" so I couldn't imagine the emotions going through them during this gig.

The band mix traditional Indian folk instruments with what can only be described as thunderous choruses to create a fantastically unique and honest sound. Bloodywood took the time to talk about important issues surrounding mental health which they've incorporated into some of their most popular songs, something the crowd were definitely loving to be a part of, myself included. The fact that this is the bands first ever tour and first ever time playing our country and they absolutely nailed it seriously excites me to see where this band will project themselves in the near future.

Bloodywood @ The Lanes, Bristol

Newton Faulkner + Charlotte @ The Great Hall, Exeter 23.04.19

Back in the Great hall after recently shooting https://www.marthafphoto.com/blog/2019/4/17/papa-roach-nothing-more-the-exeter-great-hall-140419 . This show was a different kind of challenge to shoot and review, big stage but intimate performance. Unlike a full band lineup, all the focus was on the solo musician, which gave me more time to capture them exactly how I imagined as I wasn’t rushed during the allocated 3 songs to capture 5 different musicians. The acoustics of the hall complimented the big and immersive sound throughout the night.

Charlotte was the support act for Newton Faulkner during this tour. She has played a few shows with him in the past and she is the perfect artist to open the gig for him. She is a solo artist with session guitarist. During the set there were lively numbers on guitar, ballad's on the keys and a stunning vocal range. Charlotte performed with an immense vocal power showcasing lots of sustained vocal parts. Her voice sounds huge. Even during technical difficulties (a stage prop smashing), Charlotte didn’t lose her professionalism. There was great banter in between songs and an overall lovely demeanour from both Charlotte and her guitarist.

Newton created a beautiful atmosphere from the first note. His stage set up was extremely impressive and I found it fascinating to see how he performed the songs I’ve listened to for the past 10 years live. As I imagined his voice was even better than recorded, like a true professional of doing what he does best for 10+ years. During the set he would move between the larger set up and just using his acoustic guitar.This expert use of minimal equipment achieved that high quality sound fans have come to expect of him. From beginning to end, he gave a brilliant performance, responding well to hecklers and interacting with the crowd, especially during the infamous kazoo parts of the show, where he got the crowd to kazoo along to parts of the set. My favourite part though, was that he chose to drink tea on stage, there’s nothing more Newton that that.

Shot for https://vulturehound.co.uk/


Noble Jacks @ The Hub, Plymouth 12.04.19

Having photographed a small handful of gigs at the Hub before, taking into consideration it’s recent closure announcement I immediately jumped at the chance to shoot at the venue again for Noble Jacks, supported by The Retreat and Louis Thorne Music hosted by Creative Edge Events.
As always, I was treated with fantastic hospitality from all the staff at the venue, especially Joseph Weinling (sound engineer) who offered to keep my camera bag happy and safe whilst I got stuck into the crowd as I was shooting this show solo.
I don’t usually review sound at shows, as personally I don’t feel like I know enough about it, however the sound at the show felt right and was done very well to suit the bands performing.
Throughout the concert, the lighting technician made my job as a photographer easy, as there wasn’t any strobing (photographers pet hate). Across the night the slower and subtle changes to the colours used helped create an atmosphere to compliment the tone of the bands.
So, the night started of with solo acoustic musician Louis Thorne. He came to the stage with catchy songs which got the mood of the crowd started, charming them with his innocently shy nature, which contradicted the confident nature of his lyrics. He skilfully created a beautiful summer evening atmosphere with a mellow and easy on the ears set.
Next up The Retreat as main support, throughout the set. Richard showed impressive guitar technique focusing around fast paced strumming patterns. There was a feeling of timelessness during the set, creating a heart warming feel listening to him perform. Richard bought a certain level of charm and sospisicatipon which resonated with the crowd.
With the crowd warmed up and ready, headliners Noble Jacks took to the stage with a passionate performance. From immense energetic drums combined with angelic violin tone made their set totally jig worthy. The band bought high energy, keeping their fans moving and dancing throughout the night. I could really see why the band were in a strong position to headlining this venue.
I really appreciated the opportunity to capture true folk at such an legendary independent venue, which will be greatly missed by all.