I have not listened a great deal to This is the Kit’s music but what I have heard particularly from the Bashed Out album I have liked very much and was consequently drawn to seeing Kate Stable live with her band plus special guests Cristobal & the Sea who I would also be seeing for the first time and I was anticipating an intriguing and hopefully unique experience (as it would prove) from two very different bands who would ultimately provide a refreshing and exhilarating musical experience.

 

Fortunately I arrived at the venue earlier than expected to discover Cristobal & the Sea already on stage and well into their second song Gardens. Although I had never heard their music before the sound from the back of the venue immediately struck an infectious chord and as I gradually made my way to the front, the jazzy flute playing of Leila Seguin (which clearly distinguishes this band from so many others) together with the sheer jubilance of front man Joao Seixas (lead vocals and guitar), had already begun to weave its fantastic spell, beautifully supported by ‘Ale’ Romero on bass and vocals and Joshua Oldershaw on drums. Although the set only lasted six songs, every track was a winner and completely individual like themselves but fused together by a great sense of dynamics, played by a band of very accomplished musicians. Stand out songs being their first single Sunset of Our Troubles, Mary Ann and Fisheye, their closing song which ebbed and flowed throughout building to a wonderful finale.

 

In complete contrast Kate Stables took to the stage with her band in a much more demur and quieter fashion, breaking the ice by welcoming her audience with some friendly banter before commencing with a solo song Thieves. This was indeed a brave start to the evening but a great way to assess the vibe and mind set of her audience while creating a more intimate affair and from the audience response it was clear Kate and This is the Kit could do no wrong while the atmosphere was one of unassuming mutual respect.

Although one cannot help going to any gig without some preconceptions it was an unexpected but a very pleasant surprise during the first few songs to find my preconceptions turned upside down and ignoring the solo songs, for the moment, to discover This is the Kit has a much more psychedelic, rock and Floydseque feel with Rozi Plain on bass and backing vocals, Neal Smith on guitar and James Whitby- Coles on drums which I much preferred to the new folk connotations I had not previously read about. Consequently for me there was a surprising edge and bite to the band than I had previously anticipated. Stand out tracks being Sometimes the Sea, Silver John, Cold and Colder (from the forthcoming EP). Moonshine Freeze and of course the final song Bashed Out.

 

However it is during Kate’s regular solo song interjections that you get the best insight to This is the Kit and how Kate Stables has the ability and self effacing manner to totally disarm you with her natural charm and lilting vocal which allows you to focus entirely on the flow of her songs and the meaning of what she is singing. It is something inherent in the likes of Bob Dylan, Leonard Cohn and John Lennon, not the best singers in the world but how quietly and intimately they know how to pack a punch.

 

I feel there is so much more yet to come from Kate Stables and This is the Kit and I am keenly looking forward to seeing both bands again further down the line. Magical is much over used but enveloping, absorbing and enjoyable it certainly was.