This Is The Kit

All in all the night was a triumph of great musicianship, laughter, joy and beauty

Performing to what Kate Stables described as “a bit like a conference” This Is The Kit opened their tour here at Epic Studios with a truly wonderful performance full of energy, beautiful musicianship, compelling songs and laughter.

The whole set felt charmingly informal, it was truly like witnessing artists at their most relaxed and engaging. At one stage Kate instigated a Mexican Wave which 95% of the audience gladly joined in with.

The set ranged across the bands career, with strong nods towards their latest offering, 2023’s ‘Careful Of Your Keepers’

Tracks such as ‘This Is Where The Sky Gets Big’ fill the room with stunning harmonies and delicate melodies ‘Scabby Heads and Legs’ felt intricate and elegant, with backing vocalsfrom the truly wonderful Rozi Plan who, let’s not forget, has her own wonderfully successful career. She’s an absolutely joy.

‘Goodbye Bite’ flowed majestically with delicious guitar sonatas whilst Kate’s vocals feel incredibly warm and inviting, she really draws you in and makes the whole experience feel really personal.

The audience requested ‘Two Wooden Spoons’ was another absolute highlight, again performed with beautiful intimate touches as was my favourite ‘Moonshine Freeze’ a song which blew me away when I first heard it and still moves me to this day.

Check those harmonies out, incredible work.

A set with real humour (Donkey/Shrek references) and truly magical music, This Is The Kit’s first gig of 2024 will be tough to beat.

Opening the evening was the equally wonderful Dominie Hooper. Dominie and her exceptional, truly talented band performed a number of beautiful songs. ‘Smoking Gun’ and ‘Viva’ both stood out and are destined for many future listens and performances. ‘Hurricane’ a song written about growing up in Dartmoor, Devon has a real ethereal feeling, wonderfully composed and performed.

The last track of the set, which currently remains untitled, really shows the talent that lies within Dominie and the band (no wonder Kate Stables lauds and produces their work) the closing of the song reminded me of ‘Explosions In The Sky’ the way it built and dispersed, truly magical work.

All in all the night was a triumph of great musicianship, laughter, joy and beauty. What more could anyone ask for? An #EpicNightOut indeed.