Zanzibar 28.01.22 Tiny Mammoth Presents Juvenal

Support from The Marigolds, Amber Jade, and Leah Ditchfield

It’s my first time back at the Zanzibar since 2019 so I’m excited for tonight’s show. The Zanzibar was originally made famous by the generosity of founder Tony Butler for introducing new talent and giving any new band a show. Almost lost to covid but thankfully saved by a new owner, the Zanzibar’s refurbishment is looking incredible and I’m very glad to walk through its doors again. Now a bright open space with a bigger stage and dance floor area, golden skeletons stare down from the walls at you, and a huge screen backlights the stage showing videos and the names of the acts coming up. It looks fantastic, modern, fresh and a venue to rival many others in the area. A definite upgrade.

The evening is organised by promoter Tiny Mammoth, known for curating gigs with serious energy, so it’s definitely going to be one to remember.

The show starts with Leah Ditchfield accompanied on acoustic guitar by Mikey Duncalf. I have heard of Leah previously but never seen her live and she didn’t disappoint. Absolutely stunning vocals with beautiful clarity, she had us hooked from the first second. There aren’t many vocalists who have the range and vocal dexterity to cover Stevie Nicks, Amy Winehouse, Harry Styles, Arctic Monkeys, and Florence Welch, but Leah knocks us out with covers from each, plus three of her original songs which fit perfectly between the pop hits.

Leah Ditchfield_Credit: Christabel

Next on is Amber Jade with a solo piano set. Amber is one fifth of Red Zenith who I have seen on several occasions, so I am really looking forward to seeing her solo performance. She is spectacular, pop rock with a sharp edge. A terrific pianist with a hauntingly powerful voice that sears into your soul. The highlight of her set was a cover of the Police’s Roxanne, followed by her original song Hollow which was just beautiful.

Amber Jade_Credit: Christabel

(The Marigolds are Vocals/bass: Joe Green. Guitar: Joe Morgan. Drums: Charlie Foster.)

Next is The Marigolds. I saw them perform last summer and they were an exhaustingly good indie punk band. On that occasion, they were missing their lead guitar player Joe due to covid isolation, so I am expecting a lot with the full brigade. Sliding onto the stage and piling through seven original songs, they completely annihilated the audience with a wall of sound and frenetic energy. I cannot wait to see what is next from them.

The Marigolds_Credit:Christabel

(Juvenal are Vocals: Callum Byron. Guitar: Corey Wickenden. Bass: Joe Royal. Drums: Josh Turner.)

Then the main event, Juvenal. I saw Juvenal perform last summer also, at their debut gig and they were a good, solid, brand new indie band that were enjoyable to watch. This time it’s even better. Every ounce of green or insecurity that they previously had has gone. They are tight, confident, cocky even, and absolutely living for getting on stage and giving us a good time. Their sound is somewhere between Merseybeat, Oasis, Arctic Monkeys and heavy indie, and every tune a banger. They’ve had a big turnout and the crowd are singing along to Blackfriars Burning, Fool’s Paradise, and new single Nowhere Land, seriously catchy numbers. Their cover of David Bowie’s Rebel Rebel was my highlight of the night, followed closely by the crowd going wild during a cover of Kasabian’s Fire and their original song She’s Hard Work. Lots more to come from these, looking forward to it!

Juvenal_Credit:Christabel

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