June 4, 2016
Photo Credit: Evelyn Gracie
CALLUM EASTER
“These are the days when a heart feels its weight. These are the days where the heart feels betrayed.” bays Easter over a minimal delay of beats. Having developed a growing following over the last year playing Linkylea Festival, Limbo and with an appearance at this years Kelburn Garden Party, Callum Easter hits the Hidden Door’s Tempest stage.
For some who have heard his yet to be released debut, this singer, songwriter and producer is a psychedlic pop creative bringing the Beta Band to mind, however tonight he is accompanied by beats and double decks.
Delivered with nonchalant calm and confidence his sometimes obscured but utterly catchy numbers are driven by a cascade of looped rhythms, guitar picking and minimal synth hooks. As this backing track of melody develops, Easter riffs vocals displaying his range and understated confidence.
An awesome start to an evening at Hidden Door is concluded with “Voodoo dubs” as Easter and collaborator Jon Fogarty jam out a finale. “Dust your needle mate, dust your needle,” brings laughs as the pair exchange. For those who have seen Callum Easter play it’s clear, for others, watch out, there’s a new player in town.
LAW HOLT
Imposing and compelling all at once, Law Holt holds the microphone in a vice like grip, elbows at angles, eyes focused beyond any in attendance. Playing her first show in Edinburgh for over a year, there’s a buzz around the crowd for fans and those who know of Holt by her association and collaboration with big hitters Young Fathers.
Attitude is mentioned when describing Holt and there is a punk aspect to the rhythms and stage presence, but this betrays the majesty of her soul voice. Delivering beautiful long vocals against a backing track of grooving bass and metallic drums, there’s a feel of MIA as Holt breaks in to melodic rap, ruling the stage.
Never betraying emotion Holt’s face is impassive, her vocals warbling and rising supported by a set of backing singers, washing the crowd with RNB breaks and jangling drum tracks. Limbo, the curators of the night, have pulled off another excellent turn here, showcasing one of Scotland’s best talents, who should be far more widely known.
-Alastair Chivers
From 27 May – 4 June 2016 Hidden Door will return to the amazing disused street lighting depot behind Kings Stables Road in Edinburgh. Click here for ticket info
