Last week, I finally had the opportunity to see Freya Beer, a goth/noir rock singer-songwriter from West London, performing live. She was part of a line-up at The Camden Assembly; their upstairs live room is a dark, intimate space, with a low stage and nowhere to hide, and this somehow seemed like the perfect place for Freya and her well-knit band to show off their talents.
She was performing on a bill in support of Black Doldrums; unfortunately my travel arrangements meant I couldn't stay to see them, but I did also catch the openers Tizane, a four-piece fronted by an indie-pop singer/songwriter of the same name. They were great, and I'll stick my neck out and say they are destined for much greater things.
They started bang on time (always a bonus point in my books) and rattled through seven songs in their allotted half hour. In a start worth of a much bigger band and venue, they came on stage to an atmospheric backing track, launching into a rolling, dark, emo-drenched, rock song called 'Don't Tell Me The End', which is rich with soaring chords and rumbling drums.
This band are still at the stage where little glitches occasionally creep in, but those were handled entirely without embarrassment. They're obviously all having fun, and, what's more, they're confident that their strong, well-written tunes will see them through. That confidence extends to trying new material: 'Breathing' gets its second live outing, and 'Fall' is brand new - both are catchy, deep and entrancing.
Much of the setlist is drawn from the band's 2023 album, 'Forever Is Nothing', including 'Running' which is a highlight of the set for me. Here, Tizane uses her voice to its best effect, from the sweet, melodious and reflective start to the powerful choruses and the huge ending. There, the band powers forward, with a wah-wah driven and heroic guitar solo and dramatic drums.
Tizane switches to an acoustic guitar for 'Sleepwalking' and then transitions smoothly into the final song, 'Why Not Me?' She declares this is a favourite, as it frees her from the restrictions of playing guitar. "I can walk around for this one!" There are plenty of little asides like this from her during the set, all delivered with relaxed good humour. The role of the first support act can be difficult, but Tizane stepped up to the mark and delivered fully, getting the crowd warmed up and on side, and I'm sure winning new fans, too.
I'll definitely be following this band closely from now on.
Incidentally the title track from their album ‘Forever Is Nothing’ is a slow burning, emo, euphoric banger - listen here!
Full setlist for Tizane:
Don't Tell Me The End
When The Ravens Leave
Breathing
Fall
Running
Sleepwalking
Why Not Me?
Freya Beer's set was polished and tight, consisting of eight songs in only 30 minutes, leaving time for only a few brief words to the crowd. Those words were chosen carefully though, allowing her to engage without wasting energy. Freya is the kind of artist who performs with absolute focus, clearly immersing herself in the music, mouthing each word carefully and with full attention, caressing her beautiful red Fender Jaguar. That meant that the brief moments when she flashed us an engaging smile were all the more meaningful …
You can find the remainder of my write up of Freya’s set on TheSongbird.
Date of gig: 15 March 2024
Full setlist for Freya Beer:
Beauty
Put It To The Test
Tatiana
Arms Open Wide
Galore
Dear Sweet Rosie
Write Her Off
Fantasy