Review

Native Dancer : At PizzaExpress Live In London

After their widely acclaimed debut album ‘Tides’ which incorporated elements from hip-hop, trip-hop, jazz, R&B, and electronic pop, this new album is sure to impress. This 12 track live offering features a collection of covers, including imaginative versions of Simon and Garfunkel’s ‘Bridge Over Troubled Water’, Donald Byrd’s ‘Cristo Redentor,’ and Joni Mitchell’s ‘Hejira’ as well as their own compositions.

The band is known for its emphasis on real instrumentation and as mentioned above , mind bending covers and judging from their sell out shows at Pizza Express, I’ve personally witnessed, they are proving to be a popular draw with millennials. Suffice to say, in a heavily saturated future soul scene, this stands out as a revitalizing display of creativity, individuality, and intention.

Their style features complex piano rhythms, intricate bass lines, and extended instrumental solos and at times, saxophonist Josh Arcoleo mimics, I swear a synth being sequenced!

Opener ‘Seven Swords’ sets the mood with dope downtempo drums and plaintive piano. The sound is positively fizzing with energy as it’s been beautifully recorded live at Pizza Express London.

The strident vocals of Frida Mariama Touray reign supreme with her poetic and introspective lyrics, which often touch on personal experiences and emotions shine through the mix.

Their beguiling version of Simon & Garfunkel’s ‘Bridge Over Troubled Waters’ gets a Muscle Shoals makeover. A smokey and rising vocal takes daring liberties with the melody and the lyrics but Frida makes it her own and it’s a keeper. Sam Crowe channels Aretha’s piano vibe too - quite remarkable. ‘Herija’ matches Mitchell’s intensity and Donald Byrd’s ‘Cristo Redentor’ cuts the mustard too with its intricate drumming and bass line bolstered by some wild, fierce and Pharaoh Sanders like tenor sax that starts building during a breakdown. All teed up by gleaming, grand piano which also gives each tune weighted pathos proving this band deal only in bold steps. Other highlights include the punchy stop and start feel of ‘Full Moon Syndrome’. Native Dancer beneath their calm exterior,lies a depth much superior. Still water runs deep and this band is a mystery to keep, Its surface serene, yet secrets unseen. Waxing lyrical ? Not as much as these guys. It’s a self assured and sublime offering.
Words Emrys Baird