In a space half-empty, too light and totally lacking in atmosphere, STAR FROM IVY deserve full credit for rising above the conditions and delivering an outstanding set.
Having been more than impressed by their demo CD, I had high expectations for this gig and wasn’t disappointed. Star From Ivy possess a self-assurance and poise far outweighing their years, but what they lack in age and experience is more than made up for in raw talent.
The outstanding element of this live set is their maturity, both musically and in attitude. They have a distinctive and original sound which, unusually for a young rock band, steers far clear of the skater-rock conventions. Lead singer Chris has a voice which, although great on recordings, really shines in a live environment.
Fragile and powerful in equal measures it carries us from the Smashing Pumpkins tinged melancholia of "Sublime" and "Summer" to the heavier anthemic sound of "Grounded" with all the ease of true professionalism. The songs themselves are lushly melodic and brimming with poetry. Heavier guitars provide perfect accompaniment to the delicate beauty of the lyrics.
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This is not going to be the gig of the year for Star From Ivy, but even in these strange surroundings, their light is clear and bright. Great talent, great songs, great look – even a great name – Star From Ivy seem to have it all. Their assault upon the ear of good music lovers may have veered slightly off-track before this strangely apathetic audience tonight, but they’re not disheartened – they know just how brightly their star can (and will) shine.
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