24 May 2015 (gig)
02 April 2015
The Staves are perfectly suited to the crumbling glamour of Wilton’s Music hall where they celebrated the launch of their album ‘If I was’ with an intimate gig. Not that The Staves are crumbling, in fact they’re an impressive young sister trio with a rapidly expanding following, their current sold out tour including a recent night at 1,500 capacity Hackney Empire.
Tonight, in the magical Music Hall, their mixture of folk, country, deep beats and choral sounds seemed to wrap the packed crowd into a warm, reverent hush as they earn a respect that both old buidlings and serious musicians inspire.
Emily, Jessica and Camilla Staveley-Taylor, all dressed elegantly in black with long dark hair and red lips, have an understated confidence. They banter faux awkwardly with each other and clearly get on well, in a sisterly way.
‘You’re such a bitch, you asking me that is making us look bad. We’re in the same band!’
‘We’re very passive aggressive and won't confront you openly. But we’ll write a song about it…’
Whether you like their banter or not, the quality of their sound is unquestionable. The three voices are perfectly suited and harmonies flawless. They sing beautifully but also play guitar, drums, keyboard and uke, bringing a richness and ownership to all their material, with three supporting musicians in the shadows at the back of the stage.
Guest appearance from Bon Iver’s Justin Vernon was a welcome addition, his rich male sounds in stark contrast to their own. There’s no doubt, they have a lot in common, sharing an etherial almost meditative quality at times. But it’s their combination of strength and delicacy reminscent of a certain American country sound that drives the album through.
Justin Vernon has just produced their album from his studio in Wisconsin, and as he left the stage to the comment ‘He’s such a nice guy…’ you had the sneaking suspicion that The Staves are already very clear about who is in charge.
Set-list
Set List:
Blood I Bled
Steady
No Me, No You, No More
Let Me Down
Black & White
Damn It All
The Shining
Don’t You Call Me Anymore
Horizons
Teeth White
Make It Holy
Sadness Don’t Own Me
