First on at the Blue Moon were Love Trapezium, a likeable trio from Norwich and London. They were playing a blend of keyboard-driven funk, with rhythm guitar, vocals, rapping and a brief saxophone appearance too. They were a bit cramped on stage but presented as a unified and tight playing unit, every keyboard and percussion interjection in just the right place. With featured EP ‘Hyperlink’ and the infectious groove of ‘See U Around’ they were an enjoyable opening act.

I wasn’t sure what to expect from Wovoka Gentle (their name taken from two poems by American poet Gary Short) but when they started with three-part harmonies and sounded like a sixties folk-pop chart act as they were joined by guitar I knew I would not be disappointed. With a set that visually featured many changes of staging structure and instrument line-up and complete genre-free unpredictability it was all a bit special.

Many keyboards, guitar, violin and percussive effects drifted in and out but it was the strong vocal combinations that leave the lingering memories for me. I was very impressed; the sonic textures and musical directions were really like nothing else I have ever heard, I look forward to their new album in June.

Malena Zavala is an Argentinian-born Londoner who brings her mix of influences to a stunning set drawn mainly from her debut album ‘Aliso’. As singer/songwriter she is a serene, magnetic personality in the middle of her accomplished band; the musicians able to maintain a restrained presence for many of the songs but able to push forwards when needed. Malena plays occasional keyboard and guitar including some subtle lead lines but her voice is always the key ingredient in the mix.

The easy groove of signature song ‘If It Goes’ had an early appearance, sounding like it was already a familiar hit, followed by the thoughtful dream pop of ‘Moon Song’. Up tempo ‘Cumbia’ brilliantly brought Latin dance rhythms into the middle of her set but it was the slower, musically rich ‘I Never Said It’ and ‘Should I Try’ that were the emotional core of her performance.
Finishing with the slow-building ‘A Vision That’s Changed’ with the ringing guitar accompaniment gradually building to an anthemic flourish finale, it was one of those shows where I felt it was a privilege to be there.

https://www.malenazavala.com/
http://www.wovokagentle.com/
https://www.facebook.com/lovetrapezium/