Exploring Birdsong headed to London to play a special one-off show Downstairs at the Dome.
Having released their latest single ‘The Collapse’ (via Long Branch Records), the progressive rock trio from Liverpool played a special one-off show in London together with Blanket and Black Orchids. Lynsey Ward (vocals/keys), Jonny Knight (bass/keys) and Matt Harrison (drums) created an accessible modern prog-rock sound with some art rock influences by completely removing the guitars, one of the main instruments in a guitar-driven genre, and instead embracing a prominent piano sound and gorgeously ethereal vocals as leading instruments.
First band of the evening was the London-based heavy rock outfit Black Orchids who played a stripped-down set with only two guitars and vocals which let even more room for Kay Elizabeth’s raw and soulful vocals to pierce through the roaring guitar tones – captivating the crowd right from the start and setting the tone for the evening.
Next up was the Blackpool-based alt-rock quartet Blanket offering an energetic sound that showed influences from shoegaze and metal to atmospheric soundscapes. The Deftone-esque vocal style, combined with the raw guitars, hard-hitting drums and melancholic soundscapes created a uniquely dynamic set which saw the crowd singing and dancing along, getting them warmed up and ready for the headliners.
With the lights dimming for the last time, Exploring Birdsong made their way to the stage. Their unique sound creates a very cosy and warm, yet melancholic atmosphere that saw the crowd singing and dancing along right from the start. Especially crowd favourites such as ‘Ever the Optimist’ or ‘Bear the Weight’ saw the crowd excitingly cheering while the Deftones cover ‘Diamond Eyes’ embraced the more melancholic atmosphere before the set ended with the energetic ‘No Longer We Lie’ summing up the evening perfectly in one last song.
It was a magical evening, filled with loads of emotions, heartfelt melodies and a progressive alt-rock blended with ethereal soundscapes, raw vocals and soaring guitar and piano sounds. Everyone seemed to have had a lovely time and enjoyed the captivating live show whether it being the bands on stage or the crowd in front of the stage singing and dancing along. The atmosphere ranged from warm and cosy moments to joyful excitement, creating a special time for everyone.
Venue: Downstairs at the Dome
Band: Exploring Birdsong
Support: Blanket, Black Orchids
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A Special Time Creative 