GIG REVIEW – Flos Collective
27 December 2023
jasmine.4.T
Kicking off the evening was the incredible Jasmine.4.T, the Manchester-based band put on a beautifully varied set flitting between moments of light-hearted levity, to quiet contemplation and intense emotional interrogation. Throughout the set themes of community and compassion were everywhere as they shouted out calls for trans liberation, Palestinian solidarity and social justice. Despite this set being the first time the band had played a full set together, it sounded as if the band had been playing together for years. They presented the audience with not only an amazing vocal performance from Jasmine but also a phenomenal instrumental performance, particularly from their violinist/keyboard player Phoenix. The instrumentation bathed the audience in a rich and layered sound that felt tailor-made to be heard live. A personal highlight came from their song ‘Elephant In The room’ a deeply passionate cut that built in volume as the song progressed, betraying similarities to acts like Boy Genius that are unapologetic in sharing the most sincere and vulnerable parts of themselves.
gglum
Following on from Jasmine 4.T, indie-pop singer GGLUM presented the audience with a gloriously noisy set reminiscent of the early work of other bedroom pop artists like Billie Eillish. The London native appeared perfectly at home on stage as the audience revelled in her vibrant and grungy sound. The intimate setting of the Lexington provided the perfect backdrop for GGLUM’s raw and captivating energy, not to mention giving us the opportunity to fully appreciate her band’s effortlessly dynamic instrumentation. While her lyrical content (and name) can sometimes suggest an angsty and melancholic vibe, this performance was by no means short of an infectious, light hearted energy that made the gig all the more enjoyable. GGLUM’s debut album, ‘The Garden Dream’ is scheduled for release on the 29th of March with secretly canadian records and after hearing her performance at the Five Day Forecast that day can’t come soon enough.
Eaves Wilder
Finishing off the evening we had an electric closing set from Eaves Wilder, blending elements of pop, punk and shoegaze to deliver a beautifully emotive performance. Songs like ‘I Stole Your Jumper’ channelled the influences of punk acts like the Riot Grrrl Movement, capturing the audiences attention with the combination of heavy pulsating instrumentation and fiercely defiant vocals that produced an atmosphere of shared vulnerability and catharsis. This influence from riot Grrl shone through on later tracks, with ‘Connect The Room’ exploring the idea of being able to connect with her fellow female artists using a quiet, echoing performance that gave the impression of a chorus of collaborating vocals that beautifully illustrated the message of her track. Wilder showcased her versatility as an artist, transitioning from intense moments to softer, more introspective tracks like ‘Morning Rain,’ where her soft crooning vocals were complemented by a stripped-back instrumental contribution.
Overall, the final evening of The Line of Best Fit’s Five Day Forecast was a testament to the raw talent of all three acts showcased. It was an evening filled with raw emotion, infectious energy, and unforgettable music, solidifying each artist as an exciting rising star within the UK’s underground music scene.
