The Phoenix in Exeter is a great little venue and for a regional city in the ‘mild, mild West’ they really do their best to put on as diverse and eclectic range of artists and styles as they can. So, on a Monday night, for 12 quid (which, lets face it, wont buy you much these days) you get two excellent bands. Of course, the old query of ‘why was it so sparsely attended??’ was as relevant here as it has been for other live concert reviewers of late.. surely neither the bands nor the venues can be making any money (most likely losing money) but I am just exceptionally grateful that the bands played on regardless but one worries how long this state of affairs can continue.

First up were EBB, a six piece band consisting of 5 women and one man that play a tight, powerful but melodic and eclectic mix of prog, psych, metal with some fantastic 3-vocal harmonies and an arty, power-pop sensibility. The sound was good, clear and well balanced and they were confident, professional and really engaging and entertaining to watch. I see they have played a few prog festivals to great reviews and are on the ‘Summers end’ line-up. Watch out for this bunch!

The Emerald Dawn seemed to have a few problems with their sound to start with but these improved immeasurably as the gig proceeded and were not theirs or the sound engineers fault but due to equipment issues. Once Tree Stewart’s vocals were brought up in the mix we were given a real, real treat. I genuinely find it difficult to describe their music; yes there are odd things like Ally Carter’s guitar style is a bit like Andy Latimer’s at times but the overall sound is so eclectic and constantly changing and moving through moods that I was transported.. and I think this is the intention; the overall effect was, for me, quite hypnotic. The rhythm section were astoundingly tight, David Greenaway on 6 string bass and Tom Jackson on drums kept that weaving, pulsating rhythm going through some sharp bends, time changes and from dark intensity out into quieter, sunlit pastures. Ally Carters Sax playing was truly excellent and perfectly balanced within the compositions. We were also treated to an entrancing display of crystal ball juggling by Tree who is obviously well skilled in these types of performing arts!!

Having only recently come to the band I can only tell you that tracks from the bands first four albums were featured but the set was closed with two tracks from the forthcoming fifth lp, ‘In Time’, the tracks being ‘Timeless’ and finishing with the (vinyl) side-long ‘Out of time’. After an encore, I managed to very quickly ask Tree how the ‘Fan-funded’ vinyl release of ‘In Time’ was coming along (via Fairsound) and it sounds encouraging; Tree is excited and keen to see her artwork (she does all the cover art for their releases) on a 12 inch gatefold cover! If you are interested in supporting the band and owning this beautiful vinyl pressing, go to:

https://fairsound.com/product/the-emerald-dawn-in-time/" rel="nofollow - The Emerald Dawn - In Time - FairSound