Upon recieving an email containing the new single from Van Ives (pyramids) it was very clear I needed to get along and see these guys live to gain a full perspective of the sound. Upon seeing them it was immediately clear the live perfomances definitely do the recordings justice, and then some.
The very unusual setup of a Stuart on vocals and playing guitar alongside Roan who takes care of keyboards, percussion and sequencing made me very curious to see how this setup worked live and how a porformance can be added to the mix (as if the two guys need any more on their plate). It became very clear form early on in the set that the performance aspects had been very well practiced and seemed to come as second nature to the band. The set was kicked off by a gaelic spoken word peice (in keeping with the traditions of Celtic Connections). To add to the occasion of the live show the band had live drums and violin backing them up on stage aswell as some very impressive visuals ever present above the stage adding a different element to the sensory overload that was taking place.
My personal highlight of the show was the encore, which was perfectly planned and practiced. Instead of the band coming back to occupy the stage for their final songs it was a covered object in the middle of the room that Stuart and Roan appeared at. This was quickly revealed to be a piano and while Roan sat and played, Stuart stood on top of the piano and sang unamplified which added a certain charm to the whole peformance. This song was concluded, much to the audiences delight, with confetti cannons which caught me slightly off guard. Straight away my attention was drawn back to the main stage by the lights and the band returned to polish off their set in more comfortable surroundings.
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