Love Music Hate Racism @ The Cluny, Tuesday 16th March

Reviewed by George Sorley

Nestled in the heart of the Ouseburn valley, the Cluny is recognised as one of the most important music venues in Newcastle and is the ideal place for music lovers to watch new talent and local heroes. The Love Music/Hate Racism gig organised by NSR’s very own Louise Morris fitted the bill perfectly.

Opening the bill were The Components led by energetic Camilla Summerskill who through everything into the performance. Indeed the rest of the band was all whirling guitars and fantastic noise, so much, so that the band ripped through their set at blistering speed much to the delight of the growing crowds. Behind Camilla’s dancing lay a tight organised band that enjoys the spotlight of the stage. Nile Amos’ guitar simmered along, Jim McCarthy’s bass created the pace and Ross Richardson’s drumming some how kept this bundle energy in time. The perfect opener to the gig.

Possibly the stars of the show were Kate Agerskow, fronted by Kate Edwards from local band Brilliant Minds. Stepping away from that band into this band may have been difficult but Kate took it in her stride and supplied the crowd with a magical set which saw her showcase her talent for guitar and keyboard and a nod to prog-rock group Supertramp as Kate performed a few fantastic keyboard solos. As for the rest of the band, a lush live cello performance from Miriam, Jonathon’s hypnotic drumming added to the amazing spectacle- although whether Tom’s guitar was plugged in or to high in the mix to be heard, it did add to the magic these four talented musicians created.

Gig closer, Liam Frost carried on the folk feeling with a set packed with songs from his latest album, We Ain’t Got No Money, Honey, But We Got Rain, and crowd favorites. Standing with just his guitar and harmonica strapped to him, he looked every inch the British singer-song writer and was a fitting end to a brilliant night of music and love.

Whether it was booking the venue, putting together the line up or street selling tickets, none of the magic that happened tonight could have happened with Louise Morris’s hard work- a roaring success all round.