“Dance, no one’s watching” the title of their newest album is the perfect description of what an Ezra collective show looks like. In a kaleidoscope of colours and ferocity; Ezra collective brought the vibe to SWX for a very happy celebration for the release of their newest project.
The collective have a strong relationship with Bristol, having played at Canteen and other venues around the city for the past decade, and whilst the group hails from London, the show felt like a homecoming, with the boys walking around the venue signing vinyls, limited edition album show posters, and taking photos with fans. This relationship that the group has with their fanbase is humble and incredibly genuine. Whilst seeing them perform the collective didn’t just feel like those on stage, it rolled around the venue like wildfire, with everybody dancing, smiling and enjoying one of this generations best live bands, the sweet sounds of the sax and the tight snare and the melodic piano solos welcoming the city into autumn in the best way imaginable.
The length of the show is a credit to the bands ethic and drive to deliver great art to the masses, with the show spanning well over an hour and a half. Whilst it’s difficult to pin point each song exactly ( as they seamlessly roll into each other) songs that stood out to me were “God gave me feet for dancing” a song which was written for the love of dance and how it connects us all, and perfectly encapsulates the night, with the crowd roaring the lyrics sung by Yasmin Lacey on the original track as the boys on stage smiled and laughed, evidently having the time of their lives playing to the room packed to the brim buzzing with energy and life.
The album as a whole is a beautiful example of genre bending, with the band taking inspiration from dub, hip hop and calypso, and whilst jazz is the collective as its core, their 3rd studio album is an epic epiphany of passion , truly making their listener “dance, no ones watching”
Its difficult to put into words the level of passion and energy that played throughout SWX in a very special one off performance, Ezra Collective has always and will be one of the greatest live bands to come out of the U.K, and there is no doubt that a collective that brings so much joy to its listeners will be slowing down anytime soon.
Rosie Risdale @rosie_sh00ts
Role: Photographer / Reviewer / Interviewer
I am a portrait, fashion, and music photographer. I review and interview, and am also available for press shoots and album covers.
Qualification: Attending the University of the West of England for photography
Available for: Gig Shoots, Gig Reviews, Photo Shoots, Album and Single cover shoots, Interviews and Touring
First attended gig: The first gig I ever went to was to watch Bad Sounds at SWX in Bristol. The last was Conan Gray!
First gig shot: The first gig I ever shot was for an amazing band called Overpass.
Dream gig: I would die to see, shoot, or interview Loyle Carner!
