Findlay LIVE @ Strawberry Fields Festival 08.08.14

A band proving that they are in need of more headline slots, are the highlight on the first day of Strawberry Fields Festival.
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Girl Power? That sounds like a very big understatement when describing Manchester’s flamboyant female Findlay. Festival domination seems to cut it better. Natalie Findlay and her band made the most of the atmospheric evening, high placement on the bill and rain interval; waltzing onto stage, embracing the crowd standing opposite the main stage. The band themselves are no strangers to festivals this size, having been covering the majority of the circuit this year, including a performance at Glastonbury. They can switch from small stage to large with ease, and it was proven at Strawberry Fields.

Opening with a short acapella song drew the attention of those lingering around the food stands. Their set consisted mainly of singles, which although making it strong, did take its toll on the drum kit. After taking a break of a few moments and the bands crew reattaching a cymbal or two, the warbles of ‘You Gave Me Grace’ commenced. This tune is only a B-Side, however stands strong in a live set due to its diverse rhythm. Much like ‘Greasy Love’: a seedy song that also possesses this undulating melody, but this time in vocals not instrumental. A standard mic is supported by a distorted one that gives the song alternative sound and makes the overall live performance much more interesting.

‘Off and On’; even recorded, you can imagine the impact at a gig or festival. With vocals sounding beautifully painful and dark twisted lyrics slithering towards your ears, the set takes an even grungier turn. It is noticeable from the first note that Natalie Findlay’s vocals are some of the best coming from current female leads in bands. Rasping screams, punky soulful tones; she is suited well to her cleverly orchestrated tunes, lifting just at the right places to enhance her ability. You could say that every song performed tonight had been tailor made for her and her only. They would be songs very difficult to do justice in a cover.

Rachel Young

@blue_collarjane

Rachel Young

Rachel Young

Likes: Ponchos, cornflakes and Almost Famous. Dislikes: Egg with any red food, Leicester's seagull population and having no ID.