Review: From The Glasshouse Kindelan

From The Glasshouse 26th September 2024

Invited| Review by V. Brewster

Photos: Marie Harkness

Leeds-based singer-songwriter Kindelan brought a refreshing, genre-blurring set to The Glasshouse, supported by an exceptionally tight band comprising a drummer, bassist, backing vocals, and keys, with Kindelan herself leading on vocals and guitar. The energy she cultivated was nothing short of magnetic, blending technical mastery with emotional depth.

A particular highlight came with two back-to-back tracks that Kindelan explained were written as two sides of the same story – the after and then the before. The song Cigarettes stood out with its syncopated rhythms and free-flowing, jazz-inflected vibes. It was a masterclass in musical control, with the entire band effortlessly tight, weaving through complex arrangements as if they were second nature.

Vocally, Kindelan was nothing short of astonishing. Her ability to command jazz standards with such intricacy and control was impressive by any measure, but she brought a level of vocal agility that felt like a schooling in the art of singing. Every note, every phrase, was delivered with intention and nuance, leaving the audience hanging on her every word.

Early in the set, Kindelan took a moment to express gratitude to The Glasshouse for their continued support of live music, calling out the venue’s role in fostering local talent and hosting events like this one. It was clear that this space holds a special place in her heart, and her heartfelt shout-out resonated with the audience, who responded in kind.

One particularly stunning moment involved a subtle lighting change, transforming the theatre into what felt like a warm, tropical paradise, accompanied by the sound of birdsong as an audio effect. It was an unexpected, immersive touch that transcended the audience to another level, creating a unique atmosphere unlike anything I’ve experienced at a live show recently.

Kindelan has a knack for blending the profound with the lighthearted. At one point, she veered into an unexpected conversation about David Attenborough and the many colours that fish can see but humans cannot. This served as a segue into a track that explored the idea that “we don’t know everything, and that’s okay – we shouldn’t know everything.” It was a beautifully poetic sentiment, encapsulating the mystery and beauty of life’s uncertainties, which was reflected in the song I Know I Don’t Know. “Sometimes,” she said, “you don’t need to have an opinion,” a powerful message that lingered long after the final note had been played.

After the show, I had the opportunity to chat with Kindelan about her songwriting process. She explained that she often starts with chords, as they help set the tone for a piece. While she might have patches of lyrics to begin with, she feels she couldn’t write a full verse without harmony guiding the structure. This harmonic foundation is essential to her process, as it allows her to craft the emotional narrative of the song.
When asked to elaborate, Kindelan shared her fascination with the interplay between the human experience, man made objects, and the natural world. “I find that contrast really interesting,” she said. This contrast also influences her harmonic choices, where a pretty chord progression might be offset by something jarring or unexpected. This approach is evident in several of her

tracks, many of which feature time signature changes that, though theoretically complex, were delivered with such grace and musicality that they felt entirely natural.

This blend of seeming chaos and intricate planning is one of the things that makes Kindelan’s music so compelling. It’s like watching a finely tuned dance or a piece of precision engineering – every part moving in harmony, yet unpredictable in its execution.

Throughout the night, one thing was clear: Kindelan exudes pure joy on stage. Her passion for the music, her band, and the connection she forged with the audience was palpable. She wasn’t just performing; she was living in the moment, savouring the magic that happens when a musician, their band, and the crowd are completely in sync.

Kindelan’s performance at The Glasshouse wasn’t just a concert; it was an experience – a journey through intricate harmonies, complex rhythms, and emotional depths, all delivered with a sense of wonder and joy that left the audience wanting more.

Kindelan’s 7-track EP You Can Reach Me If You Try is out now and available on all major streaming platforms.