Broken Branches/Shona Lowe

Kasbah Club, Boscombe, Bournemouth

For tonight’s show we have a new venue to sample, it is situated just above the Sainsbury’s store in Christchurch Road in Boscombe East, just down from Pokesdown train station.

It is like an old style working men’s club; normally used for Darts and Pool competitions, but with the sheer size of the place it would be rude not to use it to put on a few gigs. The venue manger Kevin Brook is looking forward to welcoming plenty more musical artists/bands in the near future. Tonight’s two bands have been hand picked to kick off the Kasbah Club’s first “original'”live music events.

Shona Lowe 1

The first band on are a four piece band fronted by Shona Lowe. They could be described as Dorset’s answer to Abba, as they are two couples with a blonde Shona Lowe, a brunette Rachel Muller who sing backed by their other halves Terry Muller (Guitar/Cajon) and Ryan Perks (Guitar). They make a truly refreshing and delightful sound with some beautiful harmonies on some original songs, as well as a few cleverly reworked covers. Centre stage Shona Lowe gives an impressive, effortless vocal performance delivering a voice that is clearly worthy of performing on a much larger stage. The bands infectious enthusiasm radiates into the audience with some impressive numbers including “I Know” and “Switch”. The band get into the Christmas spirit with a sweet version of “Santa Baby”, as well as a brand new Christmas song. The lovely Rachel for once takes centre stage with her husband backing on acoustic guitar. A great start to the evening from some naturally talented musicians who really know how to entertain. After the seemingly endless charity Christmas raffle which featured some x-rated prizes, (Just Ask Rachel Muller what she won!!) it was time for the next band.

Broken Branches 1–2

Broken Branches are a relatively new band, only forming in the early part of 2013. Tonight they are a five-piece and comprise of local musicians Dave Ethserby (Guitar), Tom Hardy (Bass/Keyboards), Fred Sedgeley(Drums), Tom Hakan Collier(Guitar/Vocals) and Charley Talbot (Vocals). The band kick off confidently with a nice sound that includes duel electric guitars, layered over a nice mix of Tom and Charley’s delightfully delivered vocals. It is very difficult to pigeonhole their sound as there are many different influences seemingly used here, from retro Americana to 90’s shoegaze with a bit of lo-fi indie. Despite being in the genesis of their life as a band they have a host of original songs from a soon to be released alum “Elderflower Road”. They include the passionately delivered “David” and a song called “Dress Rehearsal Clowns”, which brings in some interesting keyboard work to the mix. It is always nice to see a new band in action for the first time and Broken Branches have tonight with a decent live performance shown they have some great potential. I for one will be keeping a close eye on them in the future.

Set List
Broken Branches
Elderflower Road
Lucy
Matchstick Men
You Shoot The Gun
David
Weight In Gold
Dress Rehearsal Clowns

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