Live Review: Arbeia
Cluny 2 – 1st December
Seemingly half of South Shields ended up at the Cluny 2 on a cold Thursday night to see local band Arbeia’s first proper gig.
The first support act was young singer-songwriter Natasha Haws, whose powerful voice seemed at odds with her almost fragile appearance. Despite a couple of minor wobbles at the beginning, the strong songs packed full of meaning and her fantastic voice made for a beautiful performance.
In contrast to Haws and her lonely guitar, five piece Hollywood And Vines crammed on to the stage wielding a variety of instruments, including a saxophone and a melodica (a handheld mini keyboard that you blow into). Their songs were often frantic with various things going on, a little like a North East version of Arcade Fire.
Main band Arbeia then hit the stage, with their brand of indie-rock that provided a surprisingly original sound. Despite it being their first gig, members of the band have been in various other local outfits and displayed a musicianship that led to them being very tight. The frontman was energetic without resorting to silly dancing, and seemed slightly taken aback at the positive, and deserved, reception that they received from the audience. He was even a little embarrassed when sporadic lighter waving broke out for ‘Elements’.
They are hoping to record an EP in the new year so it may be worth keeping an eye out for any local gigs of theirs in the near future, as this was a promising performance.
