A grand total of five people turned up to see Circe’s Diner play – seven if you include their support act, Paper Hawk. But this wasn’t so much a reflection on the band’s music, as their lack of a foothold on Brighton’s scene: this was the first time the Bristol-based band had ever played in this city. Clearly the venue and support band had done a poor job of promoting the show – but the lack of audience members turned out to be Brighton’s loss: had more people known about the concert, Circe’s Diner would certainly have found fans within Brighton’s folk community.
The four-piece play a brand of upbeat and celebratory folk that’s easy on the ears and warming to the heart. The lyrical content is simple and carefree, with a childlike frankness that makes the band seem open and honest. It felt like the words came right from lead vocalist Rosina Buck’s brain and straight out of her mouth, with no dressing up whatsoever. Their songs, on the whole, were about love and life, transparent and undisguised by abstraction.
 
Circe’s Diner were showcasing songs from their new seven-track EP ‘October’, which they funded through a kickstarter campaign. The variety between songs from their first and second releases suggested considerable progression and ingenuity: they played several very unusual and memorable songs, notably ‘Tiger King’, ‘October’ (the title track of the new EP), and ‘Caravan’, each a pleasure to hear and very different from the last.
 
Bronte Shande added husky harmonies to Buck’s vocals, giving their songs depth and occasionally breaking into her own soulful solos. As well as acting as percussionist (and performing one kazoo solo) she balanced Buck’s voice. Without her, the vocals might have become monotonous, but together they were a subtle blend. Since their set was generally light, the drummer had a tough job – but by being unobtrusive he probably played the perfect part. Their bassist juggled the double and electric bass, giving the band more range in style. At times all the members joined their vocals for rich harmonies.
 
The band played their entire set with devil-may-care energy, not at all discouraged by the abysmal turnout on the night. Joking together on stage, they clearly enjoyed the experience of playing in Brighton, whether to a crowd or not. Meeting them after the show, they were in very high spirits, and may well have enjoyed playing to just one audience member – or even none. On reflection, it makes sense that nobody could play Circe’s Diner’s music for an hour and be depressed by the experience.
 
Their refusal to be deflated was charming, and they played as if to a full house. The quality of their music made the turnout an injustice: in front of the right crowd, they would have won over many locals to their cause. According to the band, the first date of this UK tour, in Bristol, was a sell-out: any band who can play the second date to an empty room, and keep a genuine smile on their face, deserves a tremendous amount of respect, and a better turnout next time.
 
Website: circesdiner.com