Ukebox @ Studio 2, Parr Street, Liverpool 18/03/2018

Ukebox were on hand at Studio 2 to ease those St. Patrick’s Day hangovers on Sunday night, launching their new single, ‘Small Town’.

Known more for their unique covers of chart-topping songs, Ukebox were in Studio 2 to launch their own single, ‘Small Town’. Along for support were singer-songwriter Eleanor Nelly and the fiery Gazelle.

Eleanor Nelly had a vibrancy that drew you in. For someone so bubbly and upbeat, her songs at times were so harrowing and meaningful. Singing about tales of love and loss, it should give everyone a reason to be excited for the release of her aptly-named debut EP, Eventually.

Her handling of the acoustic guitar was mesmerising, adding more depth to her songs with each chord struck. ‪at times so frail during songs like ‘Choke’ and then swept away during the heart-warming ‘Blue Eyes’. It was a beautiful start to the night, capped with a rousing rendition of Madness’ classic ‘Must Be Love’.

It was a cold night on Merseyside so it was only right for Gazelle to step in and heat things up. With funky bass, gorgeous melodies and a domineering stage presence, Gazelle were infectious from the start. Borrowing Ukebox’s bass player and substituting for a guitar, his performance was phenomenal.

Songstress Helen Gaskell, had all eyes on her as she sang with so much soul. With catchy lyrics on ‘Mad About You’ or how she sacrificed a degree in chemistry to pursue a career in music, Gaskell had people dancing all around Studio 2.

As Spice Girls gear up for another reunion, it was a happy coincidence that Gazelle had recently recorded their take on the hit-single ‘Say You’ll Be There’. A more subdued take than the original, it was still a groovy rendition of the 90s hit.

Gazelle put on a performance that filled you up with funk and made you smile and dance. What more could you ask for?

Ukebox finally got their chance to show us exactly why they’re one of the most fun bands in Liverpool. Their set was littered with delightful moments, which renders the question; have you ever heard a sad song that involves a ukelele?

Looking dapper on stage, with each member dressed in slick suits, they not only impressed with their music but also their fashion sense. As they sung about how a trip to Singapore became costly on ‘Data Roaming’ and providing unique covers along with quirky choreography like during their rendition of R Kelly’s ‘Ignition’, their entire performance was heartwarming.

’Small Town’ is Ukebox’s first single release in over a year. It’s gorgeous execution of the ukeleles and backed with a pulsing beat catches your attention straight away. As they sing about escaping the small town they’re in, it’s a beautiful song and as the melody echoed out, it was a delightful moment.

The band brought the night to a close with another cover and they didn’t dissapoint, with an excellent cover of Beyoncé’s ‘Crazy in Love’. Nailing it with their fun sound and that infamous hook being implemented with a kazoo instead of horns. The encore drew the night to a conclusion in a fitting way, sending people home with smiles on their faces.

Ukebox’ launch night was free to attend but asked for people to donate any change they could afford to the Whitechapel Centre for the homeless. As we mentioned, it was a bitterly cold night in Liverpool and while we’re lucky to go back to the comfort of our own homes after gigs, take a moment to think of those not as lucky. Feel free to click here and donate towards the Whitechapel Centre, helping them to continue the great work that they do.

All photos by Georgia Flynn. Check out her work on her Instagram, @georgiaflynncreative and website.