Jazz Breaking News: Acoustic Ladyland And Troyka Barnstorm The Boudoir

Troyka gripped the audience with a reflective intensity. Working through robust renditions of compositions from their debut album, they generated an absorbing sonic whirlpool flowing with harmonic tension and angular melodic constructs.

Luscious chord sustains from both guitarist Chris Montague and Hammond organ meister Kit Downes soaked through drummer Joshua Blackmore’s tight rock-nuanced strut. As the set progressed Troyka exacted ever more emotive force from the music, most notably on their cover of the Nirvana song ‘Heart Shaped Box’ and the as yet unreleased ballad ‘Rest’. Hopefully these gems will feature in future recordings.

Where Troyka were introspective and intense, Acoustic Ladyland were explosive and provocative. Their set principally featured compositions from their latest album Living with a Tiger, and they went down a treat with ‘Glasto’ and ‘Sport Mode’ whipping-up a frenzy.

This effect was thanks in no small part to both guitarist Chris Sharkey who revelled in the freedom to unleash riotous effects on his finely crafted solos, and bass guitarist Ruth Goller who maintained a brutish undercurrent throughout the set. But this band is no one trick pony.

Their performance of the ‘The Mighty Q’, driven with charisma by band-leader and saxophonist Pete Wareham, was resplendent with sensitivity and reverence. Fans may have been surprised not have seen the mushrooming contours of Seb Rochford’s shadow casting a distinctive backdrop to the stage. They were not however to be disappointed as Leeds-based drummer Chris Bussey of Trio VD depped with characteristic gusto, bringing his own vigour and ebullience to the show.

Jazzwise can also report that Acoustic Ladyland’s forthcoming single release of ‘The Mighty Q’ will feature re-mixes by electro-pop experimentalists Simon Bookish and Micachu.

– Joseph Kassman-Tod