Tag: Acoustic

Hannah Rowe & Ibibio Sound Machine tear the roof off at Parish

BySaving Grace MusicCategoriesInNewsPosted onOn

The Parish in Huddersfield, known for its intimate, energetic atmosphere, was the perfect crucible for the sonic fireworks delivered by Ibibio Sound Machine on Friday night. It was an evening that started in soulful reflection and exploded into a joyous, sweat-drenched dance party, proving once again that the best nights out are those where the walls feel like they’re breathing along with the crowd.

Support: Hannah Rowe—A Local Star Shines Bright

Leeds based and Kirklees Most Wanted alumni Hannah Rowe set the bar high, proving exactly why she’s generating so much buzz. Trading the massive festival stages for the confines of The Parish, Rowe’s powerful, soulful voice filled every corner of the room. Drawing heavily on her jazz and soul influences, she delivered tracks like the reflective “Bellevue” and the massive “Waistcoat” with an emotional depth that belied the venue’s small size. Performing with a scaled down outfit from her normal 10-piece band they managed to create a sophisticated, layered soundscape that was both rich and intimate, providing a perfect, locally-sourced dose of warmth before the main event.

Headliners: Ibibio Sound Machine

When Ibibio Sound Machine took the stage, the vibe shifted instantly. Led by the magnetic Nigerian-British vocalist Eno Williams, the eight-piece group immediately plunged the packed room into a mesmerizing blend of West African highlife, post-punk electronica, and pure 80s synth-funk.

Williams is an unstoppable force of nature, narrating in the Ibibio language (often translated in real-time through her movements and sheer energy) while commanding the stage. The band’s setlist, featuring fan favourites like “Electricity,” “The Chant (Iquo Isang),” and the hypnotic “Protection From Evil,” was a masterclass in controlled chaos. Each song was a vibrant, polyrhythmic workout, driven by the relentless, propulsive basslines and the swirling, retro synthesizers that give the band its distinctive electronic edge.

The Parish’s relatively small 300-capacity room amplified the intensity; there was no room to stand still. By the time the band launched into the irresistible call-and-response of “Fire Fire Fire, Higher Higher Higher” the floor was a unified mass, hands in the air, echoing the sheer joy radiating from the stage.

The Huddersfield crowd’s embrace of the band’s global sound was a testament to the universal language of rhythm. Ibibio Sound Machine didn’t just play a gig; they curated a transcendental experience that lifted the spirits and left everyone feeling like they’d just participated in something primal and necessary. An unforgettable show, cemented by the raw energy that only a venue like The Parish can provide.

Photos by Zak Brierley

Take a look at the video highlights via the Saving Grace Instagram reels;

Fishing 4 Compliments  – Hard To Please

ByAbigail UnsworthCategoriesInMusic ReviewsPosted onOn

‘Hard to Please’ is the latest single from long-standing indie-folk-pop band Fishing 4 Compliments. The song’s intro quickly establishes a quirky and optimistic mood for its listeners, then the vocals break through with more seemingly uplifting energy. The track does have some real depth to it when demonstrating music as a coping mechanism for facing difficult feelings towards somebody who will “chew you up behind the scenes”. It’s interesting how these troubled feelings can manifest into such catchy, quirky and bouncy music. The backing vocals throughout the song have a real The Cranberries feel to them and it’s clear how the band write and perform with live audiences in mind. This tune is a real crowd pleaser because finding somebody “hard to please” is very relatable, and now a fun sing-along too. Fishing 4 Compliments intend to share more joy along with the journey of their second upcoming album ‘Lost in Good Intentions’, and you can catch them at one of their many gigs across Yorkshire in the meantime.

Find out More: https://www.instagram.com/fishingforcomplimentsband/

Hebble – With You

ByAbigail UnsworthCategoriesInMusic ReviewsPosted onOn

Hebble are an electric world folk band with a unique set of instruments, set upon crafting rare and beautiful folk songs from around Europe and America. Their new song “with you” reflects on the butterfly effect, how every choice and even mistake has led Sam (the lead songwriter) to his current lifestyle. “With you” has an alternative folk sound, beginning with four simple and full acoustic guitar chords, which continue to blend into Bouzouki, Bodhran and Cello. Charming vocals then relay “I’ve made some mistakes in this life but haven’t we all” which leads on to the simple refrain “I’d make them again and again as long as I ended up in the end with you”. The track expresses a very human and familiar message about getting lost but always returning to the person you love. The second chorus then intertwines with string solos, three-part harmonies and the natural, earthly desire to “take me over the hills, I’ll follow you there”. Hebble often utilise the myth and landscape of the British Isles to inspire a lasting warm feeling with classic singer-songwriter feelings. 

Hebble are an electric world folk band with a unique set of instruments, set upon crafting rare and beautiful folk songs from around Europe and America. Their new song “with you” reflects on the butterfly effect, how every choice and even mistake has led Sam (the lead songwriter) to his current lifestyle. “With you” has an alternative folk sound, beginning with four simple and full acoustic guitar chords, which continue to blend into Bouzouki, Bodhran and Cello. Charming vocals then relay “I’ve made some mistakes in this life but haven’t we all” which leads on to the simple refrain “I’d make them again and again as long as I ended up in the end with you”. The track expresses a very human and familiar message about getting lost but always returning to the person you love. The second chorus then intertwines with string solos, three-part harmonies and the natural, earthly desire to “take me over the hills, I’ll follow you there”. Hebble often utilise the myth and landscape of the British Isles to inspire a lasting warm feeling with classic singer-songwriter feelings. 

Find out more: https://www.instagram.com/hebble.band/

Liam Smyth – Kinda

ByDaniel PackhamCategoriesInMusic ReviewsPosted onOn

Liam Smyth has endured struggle after struggle and still made his mark in the music industry. He was born with only 2 fingers on his right hand but, through great resilience became a self taught guitarist, and a fine one too! His music is an ode to this resilience and the struggle that can come along with it. Now, he “works for the local Kirklees substance misuse service helping others to reach their recovery goals.” 

His song ‘Kinda’ is written from the perspective of his wife and “what it must have been like trying to love someone in active addiction and struggling with mental health issues.” The lyricism in this track shows the paradox that comes with loving someone who is struggling themselves. It emphasises the internal battle of looking after yourself whilst also trying to love someone else. Listening to ‘Kinda’ makes you feel connected and able to emphasise whether you have experienced it personally or not. The classic indie vibes of this song gives it such a contradiction to the lyricism with the raw acoustic guitar. The song makes you feel all kinds of emotions that leave you curious to find out more and that’s exactly what Liam Smyth does so well.

Find out more: https://www.instagram.com/Liamsmythmusic

The Dead Poet – The Letter

ByKirklees Most WantedCategoriesInMusic ReviewsPosted onOn

Huddersfield’s The Dead Poet, Spencer Lee Wilson, crafts poignant singer-songwriter music, exploring the depths of human experience through acoustic melodies and evocative lyrics.

Wilson’s voice, a blend of raw emotion and vulnerability, draws listeners into his world. His songwriting, rich in storytelling, delves into themes of love, loss, hope, and nostalgia, capturing the delicate balance between joy and sorrow. His “rough around the edges” acoustic guitar playing complements his vocals, adding an authentic and unfiltered layer to his music.

“The Letter” serves as a poignant reminder to seize opportunities and avoid regret. The song reflects on missed chances, with lyrics like “Did you ever realise to swim out in the ocean, was an option as you daydreamed in the shallows,” highlighting the tendency to let life drift by passively. It’s a self-reflective piece, encouraging listeners to embrace the present and avoid the “what ifs” of the future.

For more info: https://www.instagram.com/deadpoetep/

The Kirklees Most Wanted project is being delivered by The Saving Grace Collective and is part funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund 
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