Finding myself in Coventry for a couple of days last week, I was naturally frantically googling for live music events happening nearby - and lo and behold, a gig from Peggy Sue only a few minutes walk away. They're a Brighton-based duo (Rosa Slade and Katy Young - also found in Deep Throat Choir), often joined by other individuals, and playing as a four-piece this time. They've been widely played on BBC Radio 6Music (you've probably heard 'In Dreams' there), and have supported some pretty big names - including First Aid Kit, and Mumford & Sons - over the years.
It happened at The Tin, a music and arts venue located in the city's Canal Basin area. The main music space was being refurbished, so the gig was located in one of community spaces instead - but this was no bad thing, and turned out to be a happy accident. The space felt like a living room at a house party; carpeted floor; no stage risers, just an area of floor; and the bar was a few fridges behind a row of dining tables. But, oh boy, was this a good gig - easily one of my best live music experiences.
The band were lovely - friendly, open, relaxed - and their performance was just gorgeous. Their harmonious, melodious sound worked extremely well in this intimate space, and there was a big element of uplift to their music when heard live - an added strength and edge. Atmospheric doesn't begin to properly describe it; the overwhelming feeling was one of joy - it was written on the faces of all the band members, as well as the appreciative crowd, who were quick to accept the request from Katy to "take a step forward" a couple of songs into the set. Everybody just seemed genuinely happy to be there, sharing in this experience.
I also have to give a shout out to Laura, the engineer. The sound that night was phenomenal, beautifully mixed and levelled, particularly given the space she was working with.
During their set, Peggy Sue played some of their best known songs - including Motorcade, Validate Me, and In Dreams. A standout for me, though, was 'Slow Fade' (released in 2017) - a subtly building song, supported by steadily rhythmic guitar, the music and lyrics working perfectly in harmony.
"You've got to slow, slow it down, so it finds like we might be standing still"
The band also treated us to a new track, 'True', which was wonderful, interesting and intoxicating, and one to keep an eye out for.
Listen to one of Peggy Sue's tracks below, check out their Bandcamp, and go and catch them live! As I write, Peggy Sue have a few tour dates left to play (in Salford, London and Brighton) so it's not too late.