poppedmusic

Ovvls

Scandinavian Church, Liverpool, 29th January 2016

Words & Photo: Elena Katrina

Oh the blundering oaf I was as I tried, unsuccessfully, to sneak into a pew at the Scandinavian Church in Liverpool midway through the first song of Ovvls’ debut live show. Hopefully I didn’t ruin it for anyone or the band and I can barely remember it myself truth be told because as soon as my behind was firmly sat down I was immediately  aware of the occasion and I felt excited that I’d made it, late, blundering oaf-ness or otherwise.

The majestic Gothic feel of this duo’s music couldn’t have asked for a better place to have their first showcase in terms of surroundings. They were positioned in front of a huge arched stain glassed window, a very large free standing gold candelabra just ahead of drummer Lee Dimelow. It was the perfect setting for them, it couldn’t be denied. After a while though I wished that I’d stood toward the back than trying to secure that spot – I’d have had a better view and a better quality of sound. Churches really are not made for the acoustic prowess of an unabashed drummer such as Lee, and at times the bounce of the sound became a little distracting.

Bouncing beats aside, for a first show this was pretty great. It was, as expected, short and sweet but it certainly packed a punch. With singer Stephanie Stokes dressed the perfect part, her vocals simply soared every time they needed. In fact one guy sat behind me was so enthralled he kept having to shout out how great it all was. Their rendition of Where Is My Mind was a perfect addition to the set. Not just a great fit for the band but something people knew, which was in short measure.  Of course their current single, Pain Is Beauty, was one track which they have penned that the audience were aware of and they were sure to let the duo know about it.

This was a show, it was an event, not just a first gig. It was all done to such a specific detail: outfits, positioning, venue and I can’t go without mentioning the fantastic visual effects by Gray Tarino which was shown throughout their set. This is something that you’d expect from those big bands, the ones who are playing your arena type venue. The combination of everything together made this one of my favourite musical experiences so far this year and I can’t help but look forward to what else this pair have to offer.