Live

ephemerals + Izo Fitzroy: Rich Mix, London 11/04/17

Jalapeno Records hosted what turned out to be an imposing and uplifting night in London's East End, highlighting their cult heroes of the moment, ephemerals and blues & soulstress Izo Fitzroy... A good turn out was essential and achieved on a night of pure joy and deep blessedness.

Stripped of her band, save for 3 backing vocalists, Fitzroy hit the stage with just her trusty keyboard at her fingertips. This gospel girl from west London gave it a good whirl as she poured her heart out and gave the audience bare versions of tunes from her stellar debut "Skyline".

The self-effacing singer was the perfect match for the main hosts and definitely won over some ephem fans with her no-nonsense soul stirrings with such deft delights as "Day By Day" and killer, "Break The Levee" held her in good stead - the future bodes well for this talented journeywomen. A little more work on her stage craft/self-belief (I don't think she knows how good she is) and boom! ...the girl is there.

Now on to the main course! Image wise, ephemerals were the epitome of cool with drapes and shawls echoing just a shade of neo-romanticism meets Bonnie Prince Charlie, needless to say, the collective look certainly suits their new and empowering offering "Egg Tooth".

Wonderfully named singer, Wolfgang Valbrun adorned with robes and rings, cut a stirring figure; sassy, stylish and ready to do business and bring to life their incredible new album.

They sounded fantastic as they faithfully replicated their new material... Not so much in a fit of pique, but a calm self-assured knowledge that their new songs: "The Beginning", the reflective sounding "In And Out", the afro jazziness of "Get Reborn", the screaming vocals of "Go Back To Love" and the hugely cinematic "Omnilogue", adorned with coruscating strings on the night, certainly 'cut the mustard' and was executed by a band driven to perfection and maturity. A rich mix indeed!

PHOTOS: EMRYS BAIRD & LEE TYLER
Words Emrys Baird