Review: From The Glasshouse 26th September 2024

Invited/Review by V.Brewster

Photos: Marie Harkness

In a vibrant display of talent, The Glasshouse recently hosted three exceptional performances, each leaving its unique mark on the audience. From the heartfelt lyricism of Newcastle’s own Callum Pitt to the harmony-laden delicacy of Leeds-based Sunflower Thieves, and finally, the genre-blurring prowess of Kindelan, the evening was a testament to the diversity and depth of today’s singer-songwriter scene.

Starting the night was Callum Pitt, an artist whose music wraps around you like a comforting embrace. The intimate setting of Sage 2, with its warm lighting and a single glowing lampshade, perfectly suited his introspective and delicate sound. Pitt’s voice, marked by a gentle falsetto, felt familiar and sincere, drawing the audience into his personal narratives. He touched on struggles with anxiety during the introduction of Piece of Mind, providing a raw moment of vulnerability that resonated deeply with the room. Despite the weight of his words, the song carried a hopeful melody, leaving the audience with a sense of connection and understanding.

Pitt’s delicate, tremolo-laden guitar riffs, reminiscent of Jeff Buckley, created a peaceful atmosphere throughout his set. His performance transcended a mere concert; it felt like a shared experience, with the crowd hanging on his every word and note. As the show progressed, it became clear that Pitt’s strength lies not only in his ability to craft emotive songs but also in the genuine warmth he projects to his audience.

Next up were Sunflower Thieves, a Leeds-based duo known for their stripped-back yet richly emotional sound. Amy Illingworth and Lily Sturt-Bolshaw’s performance was a masterclass in harmonies and intimacy, their voices intertwining effortlessly to create a lush, polyphonic experience. Though they admitted to feeling “naked without the band,” the acoustic setting only amplified the raw beauty of their music.

One of the most poignant moments of their set came during Driving Lessons, a song exploring the angst of emotional navigation. The line “I keep my head buried, I’m okay with living in the dark” captured the essence of their ability to weave personal vulnerability into universal themes. Their harmonies, which frequently were presented as dual melodies, were perfectly in sync, creating an emotional resonance that captivated the audience.

The duo’s shared history—best friends since childhood—was palpable throughout the night, particularly during the performance of Same Blood, a track written for one another that turned into a heartfelt celebration of their journey together.
Sunflower Thieves also offered a glimpse of their adventurous side with Sirens, a song that stood out due to its unexpected use of a muted horn synth, a sound they stumbled upon during a lockdown writing session. The track, like much of their music, balanced delicate acoustic elements with a willingness to experiment, giving the audience something truly unique to savour. Their forthcoming EP, Same Blood, promises to be an emotional triumph if their live performance is any indication.

Rounding off the night was Kindelan, another Leeds-based artist whose set was a refreshing mix of technical mastery and emotional depth. Accompanied by a tight band, Kindelan delivered a genre-blurring performance that wove together elements of jazz, soul, and indie rock. Her vocals, intricate and controlled, left the audience mesmerised, particularly during her performance of Cigarettes. This track, with its syncopated rhythms and jazz-inflected vibes, was a standout moment that showcased her ability to blend complexity with accessibility.

Kindelan’s joy for performing was evident throughout the night, with one particularly immersive moment involving a subtle lighting change that transformed the venue into what felt like a tropical paradise, complete with bird song. Her music, much like her stage presence, is a balance of the profound and the lighthearted, as she effortlessly moved from deep philosophical musings to songwriting inspiration drawn from David Attenborough’s documentaries.

What made Kindelan’s set truly compelling was her ability to marry intricate musical arrangements with an overarching sense of wonder and joy. Tracks like I Know I Don’t Know embraced the uncertainties of life, with lyrics reflecting the beauty of not needing to have all the answers. Her harmonic choices—at once jarring and beautiful—added a sense of unpredictability to her music, keeping the audience on their toes while enveloping them in her artistry.

Each of these artists brought something distinct to the evening, but what tied them all together was their ability to connect with the audience on a deeply personal level. Whether through Callum Pitt’s heartfelt lyricism, Sunflower Thieves’ harmonious intimacy, or Kindelan’s genre-defying musicality, From The Glasshouse was a celebration of both individuality and shared experience in music. These artists reminded everyone that while the music industry may be crowded, there is still plenty of space for voices that resonate with sincerity, depth, and passion.

For more information regarding upcoming From The Glasshouse Events click the following link: https://theglasshouseicm.org/seasons/from-the-glasshouse

Individual Reviews:

Callum Pitt

Sunflower Thieves

Kindelan