Mermaid Chunky
It was quite an experience at Norwich Arts Centre on Friday evening, as two very different acts took to the stage in this beautiful venue.
The place was almost empty when I arrived ahead of support act Elenwen, and I was concerned that she might be playing to an empty room. Luckily, the audience started to come in and by the time she took to the stage, dressed in a cape and hood, there was a decent sized crowd to welcome her.
Elenwen
What unfolded over the next half hour was what could possibly be described as performance art, and was as uncomfortable as it was mesmerising. Elenwen stood alone on the stage, save for a synthesiser that was programmed to play hypnotic and ethereal sounds while she sang, howled and talked over it.
There were elements of lo-fi and synth pop in her performance, as well as the truly bizarre - she seemed fascinated with how many eyeballs were in the room, and at one point proclaimed “I hate XL Bullies” before launching into another song.
When she sang her voice was quite beautiful, and the audience warmed to her as the set went on.
Mermaid Chunky
Photographing the performance of Mermaid Chunky was a bit of a challenge, as myself and the other photographer there had been asked, at the request of the band, to be “discrete”. So we steered clear of the photography pit and shot from the sidelines.
However, the self-proclaimed “live film and experimental music performance duo” of Freya Tate and Moina Moin put on a captivating show that was a feast for the eyes as well as the ears.
This was their first time playing in Norwich, and they definitely made an impression.
The audience had grown in anticipation of their arrival on stage and they came on to a very warm welcome.
The music was hypnotic, blending keyboards and wind with some incredible saxophone and recorder (at one point two at once) playing.
Opening number “Tiny Gymnast” was a (mostly) instrumental treat as the duo found their stride. Starting with discordant keyboard and smooth sax, and giving way to uptempo beats and spoken word, it set the scene for the rest of the performance.
Their songs (“Céilí” was a highlight) are almost impossible to categorise. They are often chaotic and contain elements of 80s synth, trance and world rhythms. Their performance is an assault on the eyes too, and the visuals do more than complaint the music - they are an integral part of the experience. Behind the duo was a big screen onto which was projected swirling coloured patterns and drawings that seemed to respond to the music. It put me in mind of what Pink Floyd used to do with inks and coloured gels. They often appear on stage in outrageous costumes but this evening they let the music and art do the talking.
This was one of the most interesting nights out I’ve had in a while. It was certainly different, and I really enjoyed Mermaid Chunky’s set. I hope they return to Norwich soon!
