Pip Blom 04.12.24
Invited| Review by Michael Dunwell
“Never listen to people who want to change your music.” This advice, given to Pip Blom early in her career, has shaped the path of her musical journey. At just 19, armed with a three-string guitar, she began writing and recording her own songs, leading to the release of her 2013 demo album Short Stories. Over time, her sound evolved into a rich blend of indie rock, drawing comparisons to artists like Courtney Barnett and The Breeders, as she transitioned from solo acoustic performances to a full-band setup. By 2023, with Bobbie, Pip embraced a bold new direction, incorporating elements of electropop, dance-punk, and new wave, influenced by bands like Sorry, Depeche Mode, and CHVRCHES. This week, Newcastle had the chance to experience her impressive live show in person.
Held at The Grove, a charming 350-capacity venue and bar nestled between Byker and Ouseburn in Newcastle, offering a lively atmosphere alongside an excellent selection of craft beers and cocktails. Whether you’re watching the game indoors or enjoying the buzz of the outdoor area in the warmer months, it’s the perfect place to unwind. The Grove also serves up delicious pizzas from Byker Slice and irresistible bao buns from Baby Pablo, a street food van created in collaboration with the famous Pablo Eggs-go-bao—a spot just as renowned for its unbeatable bao buns as it is for its iconic name.
Kicking off the night was Manchester-based producer Tom Sharkett, an artist known for blending the weird, wonky, and eclectic elements of dance music from every corner of the genre into his unique productions. His set was the perfect introduction to Pip Blom’s new electronic direction, easing me into the night with his hypnotic sound. His style evoked the likes of Depeche Mode and New Order, with a particular vibe that reminded me of that iconic track from the Blade soundtrack—you know the one. I highly recommend checking out his track ‘Mechanical Love’ from his 2023 EP It’s Not That Deep; it’s a standout piece that complements The Grove’s moody, dimly lit atmosphere. The entrancing lighting and stellar acoustics made every beat reverberate through my body and around the venue, setting the perfect tone for the night ahead. Definitely worth experiencing live whenever you’re given the opportunity.
What I loved about The Grove was the seamless blend of concert and bar experience. Between acts, I could step out of the venue and catch the Newcastle game in the bar area. It was brilliant to move between the Pip Blom fans, all eager for the night’s music, and the buzz of the football crowd, sharing in that infectious energy. It’s moments like these that make The Grove stand out—it’s the kind of venue that keeps you hooked for the whole night. There’s really no reason to leave (except, of course, when you have to).
When Pip Blom took the stage, the crowd quickly shuffled to the front, ready for a night of ambient, soaring soundscapes paired with Pip’s unmistakable vocals. As a longtime fan, seeing Pip Blom this week felt like discovering a new band entirely—her shift in sound and energy completely caught me by surprise, leaning more towards acts like Sorry (whom I’d seen just a few days prior). Opening the show with their new track “Is This Love?” set the perfect tone, immediately showcasing their evolution and telling me to embrace the change. The synth line over the pre-chorus was so irresistibly catchy that I pulled out my phone and added the track to my playlist right there and then. I later realized the song features Franz Ferdinand’s lead singer, Alex Kapranos, which makes perfect sense given the Franz Ferdinand-esque bass riff in the chorus and the overall energy of the track. It gave me major early-2000s indie vibes, but with a fresh, modern synth twist that shows just how much their sound has evolved.
While I thoroughly enjoyed Pip Blom’s new sound, it was equally nostalgic to hear some of their older tracks, transporting me back to when I first saw them live at This Is Tomorrow festival in Newcastle as an 18-year-old. A standout moment was “Daddy Issues”, a song brimming with youthful energy, playful guitars, and, of course, Pip’s incredible vocals. It was a reminder of their early days, but also a reflection of how much the band has grown and evolved. Hearing these older songs reimagined with a more modern twist from Pip Blom felt like a perfect blend of past and present. It was a sound shift that was not only welcomed by me but also embraced by the crowd. I’d thoroughly recommend trying to catch these, as well as Tom Sharkett live as soon as you can, hopefully they return to Newcastle in the not too distant future!
In conclusion, Pip Blom, alongside her brother Tender Blom (such cool names?) on guitar and synths, and Darek Mercks, make up an exceptional band—each member a highly skilled musician with an undeniable live presence. A special shout-out goes to Tender Blom for his stage energy, stellar backing vocals, and impressive playing, all of which added so much to the performance. Hearing that their mother was selling merch after the show was a heartwarming touch, and it made me feel even more connected to the band. It’s clear that Pip Blom isn’t just focused on evolving their sound and presence but also values the strong, personal ties to the people around them. This makes them a band worth celebrating, and I’m excited to see where they go next—whatever direction they take, I’m all in.