Narc. Magazine Online
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Chloe Glover enjoys an evening of genre-blending sounds as the band launch their new album
Newcastle’s Lovely Assistant returned to win over a packed Cobalt crowd at their genre-blending new album launch gig.
The ebullient and understated four-piece were quick to revive the positive reception received at their last gig at the venue with the showcase of pointedly titled Fuck Love, a nine track, playful and sonic voyage through their lo-fi jazzy country soul oeuvre that makes it impossible to pigeonhole them.
Charismatic front man Kieran Rafferty set the tone with his gentle yet wry comic observations of everyday life and nods to the band’s backdrop – a live webcam of cityscapes. Instantly relatable and down to earth, this carried through to much of their music.
But it was Kieran’s striking vocal range that was the real highlight of Lovely Assistant’s set; from tender, soulful murmurs to emotive peaks that nodded to Eric Clapton at times, his voice brought both vulnerability and effortless control, ensuring each song hit the right emotional weight.
Support came from local and relatively new act Yeavering Bells, whose fuzzy, folk indie set hit the mark.
It was another big success for Cobalt’s increasingly popular Fresh Thursday event series, which gives attendees a delightful plant-based meal and gig for around £10.
