Never underestimate how music can adapt and enrich perceptions. Nor ever undervalue the art of delivery. Preserving the past by moulding it for the future requires an innovative approach to breakthrough. When that natural ability exists in your artistic DNA, the ground is set for the hard yards to reap the just desserts. North-East based musician, vocalist and folk archivist Frankie Archer is at the outset of an exciting solo journey. An ability to lock in a new audience from the off is a useful trait when starting out and this compounds when the effect lingers long after the last plug has been pulled out. The term 'plug' is more relevant here than most folk acts plying their trade as samplers and synths join fiddle and vocals to embrace the art of traditional song, while propelling it into the future.
It is unsurprising that venues hosting this inaugural tour take an eclectic approach to their bookings and are unafraid of re-aligning the folk music offering. The Kitchen Garden in Birmingham embraced the opportunity of giving Frankie Archer the platform to challenge convention, and an inquisitive audience were treated to an absorbing 90-minute show.
There is a methodical approach to her music that sits comfortably alongside the artistry. This memorable show was conveniently split into a lengthy opening segment of around an hour setting the scene of who Frankie Archer is and what drives her music. After the break it was full on promotion as she played her debut EP from start to finish. The songs and musical adaption share the moment with an enthusiastic and measured approach to how an artist conveys their thoughts and information through the inter song chat. Many talented artists passing through the wider scene could do with taking a leaf out of Frankie Archer's book in how to present your music to a new crowd in a certain type of setting.
Picks from the first half included a different take on the much covered 'The Snow It Melts the Soonest', reflecting on songs close to her home in 'Water of Tyne' and finishing an excellent set with versions of 'Lovely Joan' and 'Elsie Marley'. The last two songs lead into a strong conviction portrayed of how the role of gender has been played out in traditional song and that the time is now right for contemporary artists to re-balance perceptions and themes. There was more to come after the break.
The debut release of Frankie Archer is now out for all to enjoy in download, CD and streaming formats. NEVER SO RED was introduced as a proud personal effort with the added touch of some involvement from folk luminary Jim Moray; an association set to develop. The five tracks wonderfully graced an engrossed venue with the eloquently expanded interludes forever adding value.
Pushed to name a couple of moments that defined the show, few complaints would arise from the breathless emotion easing out of the performance of 'Alone Maids Do Stray' (complete with content warning) and the escalating uplifting presence of closing track 'O the Bonny Fisherlad'. There was no need for an encore as job done with the last song that you felt was heading into a fully immersive electro experience if not curtailed. A reminder of the delicate balance between folk and electronic music. The more you look back, the stronger the feel that the first of this pair was one of those moments during a gig year when you realise why you venture out for live music.
There was so much to take from this show making it one of the surprise hits of the year as the annual wind down begins. Humming crowd participation used for loops, the melding of a synth backtrack with delightful fiddle and a voice injecting vitality to well-worn songs all added to a captivating experience. Frankie Archer, first and foremost, is a hugely talented musician, but that can be diluted with a listless delivery. Nothing like that tonight. This solo adventure is well underway and it was a privilege to be there when it started to enlighten live music fans.
