Out and About With….Rianne Downey

Gig Review

09th April 2022

The Sunflower Lounge, Birmingham

One thing that I struggle with sometimes in writing these gig reviews is not being able to put into words just how, amazing these artists are that perform at some of the best independent venues in Birmingham. Each time I put fingers to the keyboard I do my best to capture the sheer magic of an evening, its atmosphere, and most of all the talent on display. I like to think I manage to capture a modicum of what I wittiness and in someway encourage whoever is reading this write ups to go out and get tickets to any of the artists featured’s next show. Well this time I’ve got my work cut out for me. On the evening of 9th April at my second home The Sunflower Lounge I got to watch three great performances by three very talented artists.

Now that my ramblings are done, lets get stuck in….

First on the bill was a young, up and coming artist who I had actually discovered towards the end of last year on the release of her single ‘My Oh My’. Ezrae was also one the finalists for Switch Radio’s ‘Switchmas Star’ competition last year, so I was very eager to see what she brought to the stage in a live setting. I was not disappointed.

With a raw indie edge to her live set Ezrae immediately grabbed the audience attention and did her best to deliver an engaging performance. Each song was fuelled by enthusiasm and that nervous energy you get when performing in front of a room full of people that may not have heard you before. For me this really leant itself to the grounded, down to earth vibe the Ezrae created between her songs. Engaging with the audience not like an entertainer but like she was stood next to the mat the bar. Her band sounded well rehearsed and confident, each one of them obviously enjoying their time on stage. One particular moment for me was when Ezrae performed a song with just her guitarist. I remember thinking as she sang her way through it that she had a potential showstopper on her hands.

In the end she wrapped up her set to enthusiastic applause and sighs at the announcement of her final song. Definitely earns herself some new fans of her music.

Next onto the stage was a very familiar name, Eliza May. For anyone who has been tracking my musical exploits over the last several years then you’ll now that Eliza is my first ‘discovered artist’. Basically I was walking through Birmingham and heard her busking. Then against my own fear of approaching strangers, I went up introduced myself, and never looked back. I’d caught her perform earlier this year with her full band but tonight it was just her, her guitar, and her harmoniser pedal. Or as I put it ‘set up like the old days’ (yes, I’m that kind of person).

Being a solo artist who has taken up a guitar after a band has just lit up a room, I’ve had first hand experience of the nerves and doubt that can set in of are people going to feel a bit deflated. Luckly Eliza doesn’t suffer with those voices and within the first two chords of her song had the audiences attention and kept up the atmosphere created by Ezrae. Playing through some of my favourite songs from her EP it was great to here her once again belting out these songs in their rawest form. Don’t get me wrong, her band are amazing and the songs sound stunning backed by them, but there is just something about hearing a great song in its purist form.

The crowd clapped and I some instances snag along as she made her way through her set. Throwing in some brand new tracks, including next single ‘Candy Heart’ Eliza really performed to her usual high standard once again. At one point she was even helped out by the lighting as while performing her song ‘Green Light’ the light tech doused her in a green light. It wasn’t ground breaking but did draw a laugh from everyone in the room and doubled down on the relaxed and casual atmosphere of the night. Once again as she drew her set to a close the crowd applauded and the anticipation for the final act reached its peak.

This is where it starts to get more difficult to put into words just how incredible the performance was. Dianne Downey an amazing Scottish singer/songwriter took to the stage with her band and dove straight into their first song.

Immediately, her music washed over the audience and that electricity that had built up throughout the night exploded out and infused itself into each person in the room. Her whole set was full of songs with ups and downs, sing alongs, and hushed moments that everyone felt involved in. Her band performed like a well oiled machine and hit the balance of instruments perfectly. Then just as yo uthought things couldn’t get any better, Rianne took up her guitar alone and led the room in a sing song that carried the same punch as though she was joined by a full choir.

She wasn’t finished though. At this point in the evening I wanted to try and grab a video of one of her songs for the whole ‘Social Media’ thing, so put my hand in my pocket. However as Rianne introduced her next song and her guitarist re entered the stage to play with her my phone never made it out of my pocket. ‘Paper Wings’ was the song and from start to finish it blew me away. Not only was the guitar work outstanding and had me wishing I practiced more but Rianne’s vocals, which had been stunning all night long seemed to reach an even higher level. Channeling some of great soul singers of the past Rianne seemed to ulcer her lungs and just go for it. It was beautiful, haunting, and powerful. When it was over I knew I had just witnessed something very special and was so glad I witnessed it in person and not through a camera lens.

Sadly, like all good things the night drew to a close with Rianne performing on last tack solo with the audience to close the night and leave a crowd I the most perfect of states, wanting more. Another great night out with three fantastic acts who I would urge to go and see at your earliest convince. Each one of them brought something different to the nights show but each one of them proved themselves as artists that deserved to be heard.

Follow them: Ezrae       Eliza May        Rianne Downey