Music > Live Reviews

Happy Coloured Marbles

Norwich Arts Centre

by Jessica

24/02/17

Happy Coloured Marbles need no introduction as they are regular alternative rockers in Norwich’s music scene and have built a dedicated audience since forming over two years ago. Having recently played intimate gigs at the Waterfront Studio and Sofar Sounds, the band played their first ever London gig in August last year.

The intimate stage at Norwich Arts Centre floods with light and HCM backdrop is revealed, handcrafted by Danny Walton (Drummer Matt Walton's brother). HCM step onto the stage to a massive cheer from the eager crowd, as they actively move forward in anticipation. Kicking things off with Loop of Misery, singer and bassist Hadley Rutherford’s deep echoing vocals fill the beautiful NAC, with guitarist Kalman France’ falsetto captivating the audience. It is clear from the onset that HCM are more than just a support band and can easily headline their own show.

Plunging straight into their next song Unstuck, the deep, seductive vocals continue to echo around the room. Norwich Arts Centre certainly allows for a quality, transcendent sound. The rockier, fast-paced Let Me In gets the crowd pumped, showing they are not afraid to rock out. It is evident their eclectic amalgamation of songs translate brilliantly live. Thundering drums by Matt Walton and guitars riffs express the bands transient style of music and excitement to perform. Kalman introduces the band and the crowd gives another massive cheer before HCM hit the crowd with another favourite and their new release. Can’t Seem To Shake You keeps the crowd fired up and singing along to the catchy chorus, with Kalman taking lead vocals on the penultimate song.

As the set draws to a close, the band's anticipation about how the crowd will react to their untitled new song is evidently exciting. It showcases talented guitar riffs and powerful, skilful drumming, proving this band has what it takes to create a hit record. Smashing drums and guitars reach extremity before slowly descending into an electrifying echo, reverberating around the old church. The stage plunges into tinted red darkness and a massive cheer erupts from the elated crowd, giving HCM the biggest cheer of the night so far, culminating in an altogether brilliant gig.

The band are back in the studio recording two new singles in March, including Loop of Misery and Inelectable. Keep a eye on their exciting new releases later in the year and be sure to catch them at their next gig at OPEN on 17th March for Fashion Excess.