Tonight’s show is like one of those dreams you really don’t want to forget. Fortunately, this particular dream had the sensory benefit of sound – and what a sound too! With the growing presence of heavily processed tracks in the charts, it’s wonderfully refreshing to have The Staves serenade us with their tender themes and lullaby vocals.
The SOURCE saw the band at Bestival earlier this year where the mid-afternoon sun made a perfect backdrop for the voices on stage. Nevertheless, The Staves’ inherent intimacy is ultimately more suited to a warm, inviting venue in the cherished streets of North Laine. It was an absolute pleasure to hear their seamless harmonies on an enclosed stage. The way each individual vocal part weaved in and out of a tune is so natural and instinctive that it’s no surprise these sisters have been singing for as long as they can remember.
One of the highlights was Camilla’s poignant vocal lead in ‘Facing West’ which was greeted by a rapturous applause – “Sing me song, your voice is like silver” indeed. It was just one example of a sound, tone and atmosphere that couldn’t be replicated in their debut album. The gig was well-balanced between acoustic tunes and more instrumental-heavy tracks like encore ‘Winter Trees’.
The lack of a pit meant we could feel the emotion radiating from the sisters. It also allowed them to engage with their audience all the more; some amusing banter was shared about the awkwardness of their backing players just sitting there and enjoying the three sisters sing because they played so rarely. They are wonderfully humble too. In relation to their Jools Holland gig, Emily said: “We were fucking shitting ourselves.”
The Staves are definitely a band you should see if you’re into your vocal harmonies. The distant sound of headphones just doesn’t portray the intimacy they create at live gigs. Emily once said: “I think being sung to is the nicest thing in the world. There’s nothing more comforting or enjoyable. And I would hope that this is what people feel when they hear us sing.”
We’re glad this was a dream we could remember.
Komedia, Tuesday 20th November 2012
Words by Matthew Yau