[A freelance piece I wrote for the guys following the above performance.]
‘I’m ready.’ IamFYA started the performance with a sassy informality, visual affirmation to the audience and acknowledgement of her stage presence. The band members were set to go, brooding with quiet confidence and all in all, the entire collaboration achieved intensely accurate timing throughout the performance, constant energy and an identifiable passion for what they produce.
The production captured the atmosphere impeccably. An underlying darkness set the initial vibe through the venue’s interior, compositional minors and deep background whispering. Diode and Rick Holland never fail to surprise you during the journey through each song with ‘Love Parade’ a particularly potent example. The mounting of energy was penetratingly perceivable in this occasion. It translated awesomely into the live performance and especially into the video medium. Red and pink lights washed the room with interchangeable intensity, the clashing of the symbols and flickering of the visuals created an amalgamation of fizzy, electric heat. IamFYA brought swamping stage charisma. Her moments of improvisation added endearing charm, usually less recognisable by audio format- definitely worth the watch.
The vocals- with echoing harmonies and diversity- empowered the live performance and the singer’s occasional giggling broke down the crescendo-ing force that ‘Love Parade’ possesses as the song develops. It was immense; a thick, experiential narrative of such a powerful song. The ‘feeling of being pressurised into the music was completely absent- it was an atmosphere that welcomed all and united fans for the one-off occasion and IamFya was undeniably and utterly enjoyable to watch. The beauty of live music is the faces and expressions you get to see with those of other fans beside you too. Everyone is lucky enough to relish the same thing and savor the ambience.
Shadows played around the room’s walls and across the instruments. It was the perfect set up. The intimacy of the audience to the stage created ‘togetherness’ and concentrated the performers with the enthusiasts of Diode and Rick Holland’s musical genius. You moved with the music; it was persuasive. The production was racy, fast-paced and progressive, right up until to the final sustained note that fizzed away to fade. That was the ultimate confirmation of talent-infused-hard work. It is the resultant satisfaction that is (rarely) created when such ingredients pull together. This effort one was blo*dy awesome.
You could say it’s one of those performances where you turn up totally oblivious to what may lie ahead and I can confirm that this quality is the charm of the duo’s music. They create performance qualities like no other, accentuating their material on an exponential scale. It’s a refreshing new move in music. Pleasant surprise is inevitable and experience is always memorable. There’s plentiful foreseeable potential with this unique collaboration of talents. Don’t stop what you’re doing chaps, you’re making room for some special stuff the music industry salutes.
-Alix Blankson
