Review: Equation: Crunch Time – Orange Tree – 5 September 2014

Outside The Orange Tree on Friday night assembled the crowds, eagerly anticipating Crunch Time; an event raising funds for domestic abuse prevention charity EQUATION. 20 participants dressed in purple Equation tees took part in a live glasswalk, whereby they walked across 200 smashed bottles with their bare feet. Supervised of course, the first tentative steps were taken on the shards, with crowds cheering and applauding afterwards. What was great was looking at each individual’s approach to the task at hand, everyone tackled it in their own way. Most were nervous obviously, but some decided to go slow and steady whilst others were more reckless. In between the glasswalkers, the glass was redistributed on the walking platform creating a clinking which I’m sure is also to add suspense, and remind everyone that it is in fact glass. It was great watching them all, especially as they got to the end and couldn’t help but smile at their achievements, especially with friends, family and the rest of the crowds cheering them on.

As the glass walking came to an end, the music was just getting started with OPIE DEINO treating the packed out pub to a gorgeously crafted set of really lovely songs which are entertaining, moving and exciting. She plays intricate guitar parts with powerful vocal melodies which is of course a killer combination. It’s a shame that her talents aren’t on display really, as she was positioned in the back corner of the venue where seating was sparse and there wasn’t really a space for an audience to stand. However, I managed to have a great view of the set and enjoyed it immensely.

Bringing some traditional vibes to the evening were KELLYS HEROES, playing Irish folk into the night, singing sweet folk tunes with topics of love and whisky running riot through the set, the music just beamed through the venue. The toe-tapping beats even encouraged some jigs and spontaneous dancing from the audience. It was a lot of fun listening to them, and they were great musicians. With a banjo, guitar, accordion, drum, recorders and other instruments, it was a feast for the ears, though due to the nature of folk, they ran the risk of being samey, but for the event as they provided more of a party atmosphere for the post-glasswalk elation. It was such a positive, fun, entertaining evening, and all for a great cause which made it all the more enjoyable.

For more on Equation visit their website here

Review by Cassia Helme