'
...what emerges is a very fresh translation of traditional folk song.
Zoe has a voice somewhere near Dido, though without forgetting she’s
a musician. Instead, her melodies are profound in their unique gestures,
and written with a very open mind. Sometimes darting across wide intervals,
others gently whispering tiny suggestions of a line, her voice leads
the way in producing a captivating musical landscape. It’s times
like this - when traditional folk music welcomes the benefits of a PA
and closely amplified instruments - that it’s opened up to a new
state of performance. Focus and importance can be placed on a massively
wider array of intricacies and developments, much deeper than usual,
and the swells and retreats in tonight’s set, at times verge on
sensational. The make-up of the band is unusual – vocals and guitar,
bass, kit, violin and cello. Often the bass is pivotal, but then it’s
gone to be replaced by the cello’s drum’n’bass style
fretless qualities. There’s so much variety and texture that underpins
Zoe’s songs that by the time the crowd has re-adjusted, and now
contains people here for the music, you could hear a pin drop. Outside.
Some of the break downs are so sudden, it’s like Bicat is jumping
right back inside herself, then the gradual builds are strong enough
to blow the foundations. It’s fragile, but not weak. Just very
full and true. '
Author:
Chris Chislett
Source:
http://www.moles.co.uk/porter/
