I enter Banshees Bar and Art Space in Ipswich for another instalment of the SPARK Festival delicacies, and join gathering punters engrossed in the opening act, Daylight Ghosts.
It's warmer inside of course, but the vibe is totally chill (15 July). Daylight Ghosts are luring the attention of onlookers and fans with ease and keep our attention piqued throughout their set.By the fifth song, I realise that Adam Dawe (vocals) and Karl O'Shea (guitar) haven't shown us their winning hand yet. I feel a fire sparked by the embers of their unwavering manifesto of distilled folk-tinged melodies, infused with a kaleidoscope of indie experimental and somewhat gothic allure.
This flame is fuelled with a touch of post-punk vibes rising from the electric-acoustic landscape and sonic sunset ripples across its horizon – this is simply magic.
Daylight Ghosts - image © Clea-marie Thorne
The two souls before us have channelled their creative forces to craft these infused compositions drenched in an idiosyncratic brilliance. Their music feels right at home in this intimate venue as the duo's vibrations enter the ears of the crowd that is embracing these melodies speckled with flashings of heavier tones and feels.
It is not only the instrumentation that is changeable. In one instance you are hearing a voice that can hold a tune, has enough lilt and pitch that it's pleasing to the ear and reassures you that you could even sing along to it in the shower.
Yet, in a subsequent breath Dawe's voice implodes with force, full of rich notes held beautifully and sustained for lengths of time that would have my face turn purple and leave me gasping like a fish out of water. Truly incredible.
Daylight Ghosts - image © Clea-marie Thorne
Matching the awesomeness of Dawe's pipes, is the intense strumming, picking and fretwork of O'Shea. So involved in his art, he doesn't miss a strum when his earplug drops from his left ear during their second last song (we all know how much those slippery suckers are worth – you don't want to lose one) and he didn't reach for it until the song was done.
We are told we're getting a new song and it's time to "take these mother f...kers down", before they finish the set two old faithfuls – mainly because they enjoy playing them. Encouraging noises burst forth from the crowd and again a roar of appreciation given freely as they are packing down the stage to make way for Ghost Mutt.
Ghost Mutt set up as more punters of ranging ages arrive filling up the venue – a demonstration of the artists' fanbase in Ipswich. This sea of punters is chatty as they eagerly await the next set to begin.
Ghost Mutt - image © Clea-marie Thorne
I spy artists in the crowd engaging in casual conversation with each other and their fans. I may or may not have recognised members from The Double Happiness and songstress Lucinda Shaw at Banshees.
The five-piece are ready for action and get straight into it opening with their banger 'Hot Fudge'. The crowd instantly starts to sway and Ghost Mutt look to be in their element onstage, needing no time to settle in.
Their energy culminates with each song and it is now bouncing between them and then out into the crowd on a 'Rinse & Repeat' cycle – funny that. More catchy tracks follow that include keys and vocal harmonies that steamroll their set from good stuff to great stuff.
Annabelle Bingley (vocals, guitar) tells us they're going to strip it down and a punter can be heard saying they thought it was an all-ages show. Looking a bit confused for a few seconds, we wait for the penny to drop – yes, she's now chuckling and so are we.
Ghost Mutt - image © Clea-marie Thorne
How they keep a musical synchronicity while wrangling around the guitar necks, keys and mic stands between them is to be admired.
Ghost Mutt finished off their set with 'Infinity' and 'Dance', leaving us high with the unrecognisable cover. So infectious is this five-piece you would have to be one dead fish not to get hooked.
Cheers interrupt fans' small talk as a smouldering Sarah Stockholm steps up to the mic. Dressed in black, with perfect eyeliner and looking every bit rock & roll, she drapes her axe across her shoulders. This look is screaming a dark and sultry rock-pop goddess vibe. I'm in awe at the confidence she's radiating.
I notice to her left, that O'Shea has had a wardrobe change and has joined Stockholm's band to wield a bass guitar. Before long, the band kicks off with 'Preacher', and Stockholm's pipes send out vibrations that are resounding around our ears.
As the set progresses, we ride the emotion and passion felt in every word while the melodies are spellbinding. Punters are caught up in the music, swaying to the rhythms of the slower ballads and tapping feet and nodding heads to the heavier chugs.
Sarah Stockholm - image © Clea-marie Thorne
The lyrics have depth, are thought provoking and at times a little confronting. Each song is unfolding like a drama series with a soundtrack of captivating and driving basslines and beats blended with keys and guitars.
Stockholm tells us she has a little whisky to help with her voice even though it's that one drink she first got wasted on. Even though she told us she changed the set list to manage her vocals, I still believe she's giving us most tracks from her 'Trace Of Humanity' album.
Fans in the crowd devoured the likes of 'Gravity', 'Everything To Me' and 'Ebb n Flow'. The band seamlessly weaves intricate harmonies and dynamic progressions that keep the crowd engaged and wanting more.
But it's at the end of the set that Stockholm announces a surprise guest – Lucinda Shaw, who is here right beside me. I can't believe it! DVD – double vocal delight coming up! They hammer this one home, lifting the roof with the energy drawn from the crowd’'s enthusiasm and engagement.
Sarah Stockholm - image © Clea-marie Thorne
Like moths drawn toward 'The Light', Shaw and Stockholm's vocals draw together and combust. Each bring their unique, raw, and real vocal styles to create this special music memory for us. To be honest, together they tore this finale song a new one. What a set!
I'd take a stab to say every punter related to at least one song and felt like it was written just for them. Witnessing Stockholm's incredible talent with an outstanding band behind her only inspires punters to ensure they do not miss out on any future gigs this enchanting conglomerate may throw our way.
If you've been sleeping on it – wake up! Tonight was a delicious three-course meal of diverse flavours and textures.
While the gifts of live music have definitely left me satiated, I know I'll be craving more from all three bands. I only need to be told, where and when are the next courses being served.
