Ensconced stage left, Fenne Lily almost seems to offer centre stage to her band. However, it’s the songwriting and arrangement of the Dorset-born folk singer’s songs that really come to the fore throughout this intimate performance at Leeds’ Brudenell Social Club.
Up against the Euros, Lily expresses her gratitude that we have chosen to spend time in here this evening, even while the football is on the big screen outside. She does concede though, that we can watch it on our phones if we so wish.
There is not a person in the room though, that can take their eyes off the quartet on stage, as they expertly craft some beautiful folk-pop tunes. It is a set of new and old songs, but each is received with a warmth to match the singer’s comforting tones, wrapped invitingly around superb lyrics.
As with a number of artists who ply their trade on the more melancholy side, the songs are punctuated with a lot of witty chat. As guitars are re-tuned, topics range from and Instagram account called “Subway Takes”, elderly voters, UK and US politics, the heat of double denim, songs composed in cupboards, massive hands. Honestly, it seems like it could be anything, but it serves to engage and endear Lily even further to the crowd.
Musically, the sound is lush and enveloping. There’s a lightness in the arrangements that bewitches and Lily’s warm tones captivate the audience. Sometimes, in small venues, there will be chatter at the back of the room that can detract from the atmosphere. In Brudenell’s Main Room, there were times when you could hear a pin drop, such was the attention that the audience gave to the band.
Among the highlights were Birthday, Hollywood & Fear and Car Park, the latter not least for the story that preceded it. It’s written about stalking a guy into a relationship, Lily explains, but also fans have told her they have walked down the aisle to it, epicly misunderstanding the sentiment!
The encore includes a completely new song, one that even Lily struggles to remember the words for at the outset. Once that hurdle is overcome, we are treated to a beautiful love song, tenderly delivered and it wraps up an enchanting evening. The audience have played their part too, as they always do at the Brudenell. And it’s this thought that Lily leaves us with as we turn to head for the doors.
“I’ve never played another venue in Leeds, and never want to!”
This crowd would welcome her back, any day of the week.
Set listPick
Dawncoloured Horse
I, Nietzsche
Birthday
Berlin
2+2
Hollywood + Fear
Lights Light Up
I Used to Hate My Body but Now I Just Hate You
Red Deer Day
Half Finished
Car Park
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