Pip Blom 16/10/23
This Friday marks the release of indie trio ‘Pip Blom’s’ third album ‘Bobbie’. Hailing from Amsterdam, the band (named after its lead singer) provides unique melodies perfectly showcased in their new releases. The band stray from their original indie- rock roots influenced with the Britpop movement among others and develop an electronic, synth-y sound.
The Dutch trio performed at Norwich Arts Centre on the 16th of October, the venue was relatively small but perfectly reflected the bands slow rise to indie stardom – a journey that will no doubt be sped up by one of their songs being adopted into a ‘TikTok song” in the next few months.
The bands support was a whimsical act called ‘Vanity Fairy’. Like a glittering illusion of Kate Bush, or some 1970s disco queen (I can’t quite make my mind up) she sauntered through the crowd, getting a mixed reception. Her music was clearly not to everyone’s tastes, but no one could dismiss the energy and vibrance that she brought to the stage - to those that were willing she provided a great warm up before the main act.
Starting with some of their new tracks, such as ‘Is this love?’ and ‘Tiger’, they carried through the upbeat energy from the previous act – all while giving their own spin on this new electronic sound that they have adopted. the rest of the performance was a seamless mix of old and new, occasionally reverting back to past albums and hit singles such as ‘School’ and ‘Babies are a lie’. Theres no doubt that the band have changed their sound – however with songs such as ‘Red’ on their new album, it is clear that they have not completely lost touch with their origins.
Overall, the gig was a great showcase of up-and-coming contemporary acts with a multitude of different sounds – and Norwich Arts Centre, previously a church, is a great place to house and showcase new music.
