Baring their teeth from between the bars of The Fleece’s pole-held stage, Brighton four-piece Lime Garden begin their sold-out show with ‘Bitter’: it’s the sweet-and-sour song they first cut their teeth on when stepping out into a national limelight.
Frontwoman Chloe Howard bares all in a militant suit and tie get-up, proudly armed with a militant stance that sags for the sad songs in all the slyest spots. Guitarist Leila Deeley almost embodies Stevie Nicks in her presence – a stage-y, dramatic flare that’s only added to by a curtain of blonde hair that seems to knock and knock-back on a pendulum swing.
On ‘Sick and Tired’, they ask their crowd to sing the words back to them, on the off-chance they know them. Their audience laughs; it’s ironic for the sold-out show celebrating the release of their debut album, ‘One More Thing’. On ‘Fears’, Lime Garden’s lyrics even tilt a little ironic – they fear the ‘thought of some success’ as they gaze out on a show singing lyrics back to them from songs that only came out a few weeks prior. It’s an ascent that’s been almost stratospheric.
When Howard yearns on ‘Pine’ there’s a very real, very sudden mournfulness there – a mess of feelings that she leaves on the floor as if they were really exorcised on stage. It’s like the last song on the nightclub floor before the lights come on; they blur an 80s synthesiser sound with the 21st century cynicism that they’ve long-since staked their reputation on.
‘Floors’ lets Lime Garden explore a sound that’s more hyper than mere pop, standing them in the same stead as other up-and-comers like Courting. There’s a sleazy smoothness to them, too; like if Sorry pitched operatic, or Porridge Radio came with all the dramatics of Hamlet and his skull.
Kate Jeffrie @katejeffrie
Role: Lead Writer / Interviewer
I review gigs, and interview bands and musicians.
Available For: Gig Reviews, band interviews
Qualification: I study English Literature at the University of Bristol.
First attended gig: The first gig I remember going to see was Lewis Watson when I was 13, at a pub a few towns over from where I lived. My friends and I all loved him, and I remember how shocked I was that someone I had on this pedestal could be stood on a stage just a few feet away, drinking a beer and playing guitar!
First gig reviewed: The first gig I ever reviewed was Palace at the O2 Academy Bristol. As a band I wasn’t particularly well acquainted with, it was a testament to how live music can bowl someone over, even when it’s coming from strangers.
Dream gig: My dad saw The Smiths on their first tour, and since they’re my favourite band, I think seeing them in an intimate venue would be a dream
Isaac Stubbings @ilnsimages
Role: Photographer & Reviewer
Hey! I'm a photographer who uses music as a core influence in all my photography. I love looking towards colour and lighting to try and emulate a narrative that enhances my work.
Qualifications: I study Photography at the University of the West of England, Bristol.
Available for: Gig Shoots, Photo Shoots, Album and Single cover shoots and Touring
First attended gig: The first gig I went to was to see the band Beach House in Brighton when I was about 14. It was in a big church and I remember the dreamy vocals and synths sounded amazing with the acoustics of the place. After that, I was hooked on the experience of going to see live music.
First gig shot: In college I shot a couple of my friends’ bands in tiny venues, but I think the first proper gig I shot was Newdad at Thekla. Wanting to get back into music photography, I reached out – not really expecting to hear back – and it meant a lot to me when I was put on the list to shoot one of my favourite bands. It was such an enjoyable and rewarding experience for me, so after that I was set on pursuing it further.
Dream gig: Big question. There are so many I could think of, but it would have to be The Cure in a small intimate venue.