Chordblossom
  • Home
  • News
  • Reviews
    • Music Reviews
    • Live Reviews
  • Features
    • Articles
    • Festivals
    • Fresh NI Music
    • Interviews
    • Introducing
    • Win
  • Media
    • Playlists
    • Photosets
    • Podcast
    • Sessions
    • Transmission
    • TV
  • Kickstart
  • Chordblossom Gigs
  • About
    • About
    • Contact
    • Mailing List
    • Vacancies
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • News
  • Reviews
    • Music Reviews
    • Live Reviews
  • Features
    • Articles
    • Festivals
    • Fresh NI Music
    • Interviews
    • Introducing
    • Win
  • Media
    • Playlists
    • Photosets
    • Podcast
    • Sessions
    • Transmission
    • TV
  • Kickstart
  • Chordblossom Gigs
  • About
    • About
    • Contact
    • Mailing List
    • Vacancies
No Result
View All Result
Chordblossom
No Result
View All Result

Hidden Machine 10 – 9th April 2015

Ciara King by Ciara King
April 16, 2015
in Live Reviews
Hidden Machine 10 – 9th April 2015

Patrick Gardiner - Photography by Conor Kerr

Patrick Gardiner & Susie Blue EP launch, with support from The Sea Close By & Jess Edlin
Thursday 9th April 2015 – Voodoo, Belfast

Voodoo Belfast plays the part of this evening’s host venue as Hidden Machine showcase their exciting new double E.P launch. Patrick Gardiner, an alternative acoustic artist releasing his much anticipated EP ‘Carcassonne’ and Susie Blue, a popular folk singer/songwriter bringing us her most recent work ‘Midnight Cat Swaps’. Tonight is set to be one mesmerising show, with one great artist after another on the bill.

The doors are open and the crowd take to their seats, just in time for the phenomenal musings of rising star Jess Edlin. A softly spoken, seemingly shy and quiet lady, she takes to the stage and introduces herself. She begins her set with a track that mixes intricate guitar melodies and echoing vocals. Not wishing to set a tone for herself we are treated to various songs all totally unique to her style. From triphop backing tracks to delicate love songs, Jess delves comfortably into each little world of her own through her songs. One of the most surprising and creative artists in the local musical circuit and if you haven’t been lucky enough to see her perform yet, you simply must.

Jess Edlin - Photography by Conor Kerr
Jess Edlin – Photography by Conor Kerr

I have to admit to being intrigued by The Sea Close By’s set, as I had last seen them in the very early stages of their career and had wondered how far they’d come. An alternative rock band wishing to continue certain elements of former band Paperman but with the hope of creating a more solid and powerful impact. As the fronting members of the band, Alastair and Kate present a comfortable and well thought out rendition of every song they play. Their set is a healthy mix of Paperman classics and The Sea Close By’s original songs. The band harmonise perfectly with one each other, keeping in mind their more raw ideals, especially in the heavier tracks. The Sea Close By are a band that have translated well and have grown even more.

The Sea Close By - Photography by Conor Kerr
The Sea Close By – Photography by Conor Kerr

Now, for Susie Blue for the first EP launch of the night; a songwriter with a knack for weaving hauntingly dark material together. This pint-sized artist may be small in stature but her strong lyrics and captivating vocals are nothing but huge. There is an undeniable comparison between Susie and Dolores O’Riordan in their ethereal vocal stylings, however relevant the influence may be. The key to Susie’s success seems to be her ability to accept and own her delicate vulnerability, especially in her newest single ‘Trust Me’. That being said, her music is not all delicate, she is not afraid to show her angry side, even claiming one of her songs to be “the angriest she’d ever written”. Backed by clever electronic effects and dramatic synth, Susie’s ability to wear her heart on her sleeve, conveys a great range of built up emotions, making for an intense and hypnotising performance.

Susie Blue - Photography by Conor Kerr
Susie Blue – Photography by Conor Kerr

The ultimate ending to this evens bill of melodic beauties is the launch of Patrick Gardiner‘s Carcassonne. Patrick is joined on stage by his resident drummer this evening as we are treated to the alternative acoustic recipe he is most known for. It would be difficult to fault Gardiner’s performance as he proves he is well and truly the master of his niche for accented vocals and retro guitar melodies. His E.P’s title track ‘Carcassonne’ acts as the catchiest and most mature song of the set, blending perfectly with his rolodex of songs. There could not have been a more perfect end to this evening’s gig and Hidden Machine have well and truly outdone themselves with this carefully selected line-up.

Patrick Gardiner - Photography by Conor Kerr
Patrick Gardiner – Photography by Conor Kerr

Leave a Comment ⁞

Tags: Ciara KingHidden MachineJess EdlinPatrick GardinerSusie BlueThe Sea Close ByVoodoo
ShareTweetShareShareSendSend
Previous Post

Rock and Metal Community to Gather For Darrenfest

Next Post

Introducing #62: Parapa Palace

Related Posts

Premiere: Susie Blue – She Is
Fresh Music From Northern Ireland

Watch: Susie Blue – Daughter

June 19, 2020
New Pagans – 22nd December 2019
Live Reviews

New Pagans – 22nd December 2019

December 30, 2019

Recent Posts

Sugarwolf Band Photo by Y Control Photography

Watch: Sugarwolf – Changes

February 24, 2021
Open House Presents The Court House Sessions Logo

Open House Presents The Court House Sessions

February 22, 2021
Foreign Mornings

Foreign Mornings – Springhill Avenue

February 22, 2021

Twitter

Instagram

Follow

  • Interview -  Sam Wickens

"It was just real blatant struggles that I was going through. then whenever I kind of came out of the other side of stuff, I just felt I kind of want people to hear this".
Wickens explains the inspiration behind his new EP, Watson.

Link in bio. 
@sam.wickens.music
  • The very latest, very freshest music from Northern Ireland playlist is now live on Spotify.

featuring music from @gazeisghost @hannahpeelmusic @feelmybicep @aimee.thompsonmusic and many more talented artists.

The playlist link is in our bio and don’t forget to check out our article for a few editor picks.

Cover pic: @feelmybicep

Spotify Playlist

Fresh Music From Northern Ireland

Mailing List

  • About Chordblossom
  • Kickstart
  • Music Reviews
  • Live Reviews
  • Features
  • Interviews
  • Photos
  • Fresh Music From Northern Ireland Playlist
  • Chordblossom Gigs
  • Mailing List

© 2020 Chordblossom

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • News
  • Reviews
    • Music Reviews
    • Live Reviews
  • Features
    • Articles
    • Festivals
    • Fresh NI Music
    • Interviews
    • Introducing
    • Win
  • Media
    • Playlists
    • Photosets
    • Podcast
    • Sessions
    • Transmission
    • TV
  • Kickstart
  • Chordblossom Gigs
  • About
    • About
    • Contact
    • Mailing List
    • Vacancies

© 2020 Chordblossom

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish.Accept Read More
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled

Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.

Non-necessary

Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.

SAVE & ACCEPT