The Louisiana, 4th February 2023
Review Lizzie Esau
The Louisiana 4th Feb’23
Lizzie Esau – songstress, student, and star-in-the-making – takes on Bristol ahead of her EP, set for release this summer.
While Esau’s records are more akin to indie pop, the rock and punk elements of her live sound draw blood from even the stoniest crowd members: as a co-headline bill with George O’Hanlon – and having been picked by The Bristol Gig Guide as one of the three concerts to watch out for in February – there are a lot of people there for her to win over. After playing a hometown gig in the city of Newcastle, her band take to The Louisiana for the tour’s star-studded last night.
Joe Bennison swings his bass like a battle-axe; the uni experiences Esau draws on become war cries when backed by her band of three boys. Dressed in combat boots and painted into her persona with kohl-smudged eyes, it seems that Esau finds her place in the pack somewhere between PJ Harvey and Avril Lavigne.
As the set finds its rhythm, Lizzie asks the crowd – with the stage charm of a veteran coquette – to ‘come forward, I’m friendly’. They oblige. The four rockers who make up Lizzie’s support – Bristol-based band How Nice – mosh at the front to ‘The Enemy’. Disparate sonic philosophies become one on the fine line between stage and pit. A seal of approval is stamped with steel-toed boots onto that liminal space.
In her interview with us she says she’s always seen herself as being unusually lucky. On her latest release, ‘Jellyfish’, she asks the crowd to sing the chorus with her; three times, for good luck. It feels talismanic; like ritual. We feel lucky too, somehow: we’ve caught Esau just before the grand uptick of her career.
For her final song, ‘Cool’, Esau is pulled into the crowd. When I talk to her after the show, she explains that when a gig is as lively as this one, she’d rather be with us than on the stage. It’s a testament to the environment she creates; Esau wants the chance to watch herself with our eyes. Although she’ll never get the chance, you can. Try her world on for size.
@katejeffrie
@bristolnomad_gigphotography
@thebristolnomad / @bristolnomad_gigphotography
Role: Photographer / Reviewer / Interviewer
Chief, the one that bugs the team for team for their reviews and images. Creator and founder of The Bristol Gig Guide. Can usually be found swamped in admin or getting cramp kneeling at the front of a gig.
Available for: Gig Shoots, Gig Reviews, Photo Shoots, Album and Single cover shoots, Videography work, Interviews and Touring
First attended gig: Republica, circa 1996.
First gig shot: Hands Off Gretel, at The Louisiana!
Dream gig: Huge metalhead and my ultimate dream gig would be shooting my heroes Slipknot at a huge stadium gig, or as festival headliners. And to experience shooting a headline tour outside the UK
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