Bryde @ Studio2 on Parr Street 26/04/2017

In the midst of their UK tour, Bryde paid a visit to Studio2, with a host of local talent for support.

Studio2 opened it’s doors to welcome Bryde along with Anna Houghton, Cal Ruddy and Mary Miller to put on a breathtaking evening series of performances.

First on stage was Anna Houghton, with only her guitar to hand and her delicate voice to swoon the crowd, it was a beautiful and intimate set from the Chester girl. She was able to draw the people in to a trance with her heart-wrenching songs that left a mark upon you, in a style similar of Keaton Henson. It was a stunning start to the night.

Cal Ruddy was next with a brighter style of music than his predecessor but still followed the trend of only needing a guitar and his strong voice to woo the early attenders at Studio2. Warming the crowd up with his fun quips and enriching style of

play on his acoustic guitar. He was like a more charismatic and entertaining version of Jake Bugg, with his crowd interaction and ability to brighten up the darkened venue on Parr Street with his songs.

We’re no stranger to the music of Mary Miller and each time it’s always a pleasure to catch her live with her set up of electronic beats and her mesmerising guitar play. It was a different style to Anna Houghton and Cal Ruddy, who provided folk laden sets but still just as captivating as them. Her strong voice is matched by her strong beats that back her and it was another solid performance we got to see from Miller last night, which culminated with the entrancing and mind-spinning ‘Felt‘. So far, the supporting acts had put on a delightful night and we hadn’t even got to see Bryde yet.

Bryde are a trio that’s fronted by Sarah Howells and what’s great about her band is how they were able to bring us on a journey of emotions from start right to the end. Many acts can find it easy to pick a mood for their music and stick with it and risk being repetitive but for Bryde, they lifted us up with a rush of energy at times and then could slow it down and make you feel like she was singing just to you amongst the crowded room.

Performing tracks from their EPs, simply titled EP1 and EP2, as well as a few new songs that are part of their debut album that’s in the works, with a look to release towards the end of the year. If you haven’t heard Bryde’s music before, then think of Daughter but when Daughter don’t push the boundaries on songs that have an intense feel to it, Bryde go that bit further that you want them to.

We spoke with Sarah after about her music and how diverse it is, to which she had to say; “not everyone wants just the one style, you feel different things and sometimes you want to thrash around and other times not, it’s great to diversify…” She certainly made that point throughout the show in what was a breathtaking performance.

Do you love indie and alt rock as much as we do? Enjoy going to gigs at the Arts Club or catching a band play in the O2 Academy? Then you should join the team! JACKS are looking for writers and if the above sounds like you then click here and get in touch!