Tide was the first bluster of the Norwich quintet that the world was gifted. This debut album released back in 2014 sent Wooden Arms extensively around the UK and Europe. It touched upon classical compositions and a musical sensibility that blended the rich landscapes of Sigur Ros with the deep sonic textures of Portishead. ‘Burial’ stands out as the first single off their, as of yet untitled, sophomore LP. The brooding affair adds another piece of armour to their sullen suit as they venture to The Hope & Ruin for what is to be the final night of their current tour.

Abi Wade is in support and ultimately she is the biggest discovery that I have made in Brighton. This Brighton talent who has emigrated to London has left a lasting impression upon my opinion of the Monday night performance. “Thanks for coming out to see me support Wooden Arms on a Monday night. It no longer feels like a Monday night to me.” she remarks from the stage. Her gorgeous gloom caught me completely off guard. Hints of Beak> and These New Puritans bled through her unique cello textures. Her sound weaves through pastoral sound-scapes that are perhaps reflective of her frequent movement over the Sussex Downs between Brighton and London. By the end of her set it no longer felt like a solemn Monday evening for the audience either.

Intimate crowds do not come much smaller than eight. In fact, I have never actually seen a band count the audience members to determine the attendance but it seems Wooden Arms’ Alex Carson was to break tradition. Intimacy has the bizarre potential to work in favour of groups though. The loneliness in The Hope left fewer distractions away from the stage ensuring that every small detail was given full attention. All of a sudden everything mattered.

The nature of the Wooden Arms’ performance casts a blanket of silence across the audience from the moment of entrance. With the crowd stood within metres of the five-piece onstage all that was required was a parental domestic in the corner to give it that authentic front room atmosphere. Wooden Arms’ intriguing take on trip-hop blended in hints of folk and psychedelia. Wooden Arms gave a new perspective on a genre that is seldom touched upon and even more rarely, well-performed.

Departing from Tide for the vast majority of the set saw the group put emphasis on new material. It was here that they curbed their previous classical sensibility instead reaching a more contemporary plateau. Recent single ‘Burial’ points to territory occupied by the psychedelic nuggets of The Flaming Lips. It utilises splutters of keyboard rained across backdrops of drugged rhythm sections and a big choral release of: “I am yours.” It was on ‘Burial’ that the band really proved their songwriting can leave the intimate confines of The Hope for larger spaces. Tonight this particular song felt much more accomplished than anything else played – testament to why it is their latest single. Not because their other material is bad but just because this is really quite splendid in its own right.

It is largely how Carson and Jeff Smith tie their vocals together that allows the most compelling moments of the night. Harmonies marry together on ‘Waiting’ allowing for vocals that pounce upon the quietness in the room. They fill the gaps between the crowd and fuel the endearing taint to the performance.

Where the set-list touched upon previous material a stark contrast was presented. The classical approach allowed for the band to really prove their musical prowess in other circles around dense string arrangements. Melodic rhythms swooned through misty shades of Mercury Rev and Bright Eyes as the darkness of ‘December’ and ‘False Start’ were touched upon.

The intimate affair allowed you to feel slightly selfish. You did not want that many people to experience it – it felt special because of that reason, from Abi Wade right through to Wooden Arms. Sounds built shadows on the walls that crept around you. Lights battled through the five members onstage and the complete immersion of the trip-hop lull held your imagination throughout. They fuelled a warm glow within a quiet Hope & Ruin tonight, proving that strength does not always come with a big audience.
Tom Churchill

Website: woodenarms.co.uk
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