BLACK HONEY + PICTURE PARLOUR + KYNSY @ CONCORDE 2, BRIGHTON, 31ST JANUARY 2024
Review Peter Greenfield/Photos Cris Watkins
Black Honey
Brighton’s Black Honey opened their latest UK tour with a home city show at Concorde 2, a venue they’ve played several times, as singer Izzy Philips mentioned, “Back at Concorde 2. It feels like home.”
Black Honey gave another full-throttle show with their rock ‘n’ roll Americana sound. There were also mellower numbers such as “Madonna” from their self-titled debut album.
While there are inevitable comparisons between Black Honey’s Izzy and other female vocalists, she has her own style. It’s a very juxtaposed stage persona. At Concorde 2, she was dressed like an innocent Midwest country girl but with contrasting harsh black eye makeup. This was also reflected in her singing style. While there was a sweetness in her voice, there was also an ominous undercurrent and edge. This was shown especially on “I Like The Way You Die”, during which Izzy was lit by a single spotlight.
Chris Ostler (guitar), Tommy Taylor (bass guitar) and Alex Woodward (drums) did more than just let Izzy shine. Their tight musicianship and catchy tunes were an equal part of the overall performance.
Izzy reminded the crowd that Black Honey have been playing for 10 years, and announced they were repressing their debut EP. They proceeded to play “The Taste” from it. The Brighton crowd was treated to a first from the band, a cover version in their live set: “Wild Thing” by The Troggs. Izzy adapted the lyrics to “Concorde, you move me.”
Towards the end of their show, Black Honey was joined by a couple of guests. A drag queen came on stage to dance along to “Midnight”, while Izzy’s mum joined the band for the final number “Corrine”. It was another solid, energetic performance by one of Brighton’s favourite live bands.
Black Honey photo gallery
Picture Parlour
The middle band on the bill was Picture Parlour. Several of the audience were there to see this up-and-coming alt-rock band as much as the headliners. Hence, the venue was packed when they came on stage. Band members Katherine Parlour (vocals and guitar), Ella Risi (lead guitar), Sian Lynch (bass) and Michael Nash (drums) were joined by an additional guitarist/keyboard player.
Picture Parlour’s alternative rock / indie sound had hints of country music at times, most noticeably on the second song of their set, “One Trick Odessey”.
Katherine’s vocals and stage presence were very distinctive, with her husky, theatrical, powerful voice being a key feature of the band’s sound. During instrumental sections, she let the two guitarists, Ella and Sian, take the spotlight, especially Sian’s great basslines.
Katherine jokingly announced their closing song with “time for a Beatle’s cover”. Their debut single and own composition, “Norwegian Wood”, was a fitting close to a great set, which justified the hype around this exciting new band.
Picture Parlour photo gallery
Kynsy
Opening for Black Honey was Dublin-based vocalist and guitarist Kynsy. She was joined on stage for her live set by a bassist, another guitarist and a drummer. Kynsy had an excellent indie guitar sound, which soon won over those who had arrived early. This new act has released 2 EPs, but much of their set was made up of unreleased songs. Based on their new material, Kynsy have a promising future.
Kynsy photo gallery
