Review: Elevant, Jam Café, Nottingham

 

It was a cold Tuesday evening in Nottingham but the Jam Café had a warm interior and watching the guys set up sure helped wash away the cold feeling from the outside world, still visible through the large glazed frontage, a nice backdrop for such an intimate event.

 

First on the line up and to introduce the crowd to tonight’s artistry was the Josh III (Bloom) who was setting the atmospheric music to the proceedings. There were no psychedelic oil lamp projections as the Facebook page mentioned but the music was more than enough to set the mood and wet the reveller’s appetite for what was about to come.

 

The lizards played a strong set, which the growing crowds were really getting into. They had a few technically difficulties but after a couple of songs these were ironed out and the continued to play throughout. Seemed quite a short set, but they always do if you are enjoying them; I could have listen too much more from these guys.

 

Elevant came on stage with an additional power playing a great melodic rock with a heavier edge with vocals to match. The lead singer however under the weather did not let it show and sang faultlessly throughout. The crowd in this smaller venue grew further, being welcomed in by Michael the lead singer, nice touch!  The three members, Michael Edward, Tom Shand and Hannah Lodge, produced a strong sound that worked well although a different tempo to the first band, as these were the middle band of the night the final band have a high bar set to conclude the evening. I am looking forward to seeing them again.

 

For Mannequin’s set the venue seemed busier than before, everyone had taken a step forward; moving around the crowd, getting to the bar or even getting to the toilet seemed not to be an option for the next thirty minutes.  The set started with an energy that continued throughout building as it progressed. The band members, Ben Healey, Joe Hague and Sid Ratcliffe, all had their own look; distinctly different from each other but worked well as a collective, helping enforce the alternative rock label they have.

 

The whole night was a pleasure to be asked to review, the venue staff were welcoming and with its size the band members were all approachable and willing to talk to the crowd before and after their sets.”

By Chris Marsh