Witch Fever / Dubrek Studios / Derby
Words & Photos: Gabi Kowal
A trip into Derby and to a new venue for us at Dubrek Studios to take in the Witch Fever tour.
First up, in support we had a set from Alt Blk Era who were superb. An alternative music duo, sisters Nyrobi and Chaya who deliver a set of genre busting intensity, mixing styles and trashing traditional expectations. Dominated by heavy basslines, electric guitars and tongue-twisting rapped lyrics the set was fierce, raw and unconventional. Against this, their ‘softer’ tracks are laden with dark string tones, haunting harmonies and a chilling vibe.
A great start to the night.
Witch Fever also refuse to be confined by gender or genre, and they have always defied expectations as individuals and as a band. A real force on the scene, if you like bands such as IDLES, Hot Milk, Nova Twins and CLT DRP, you’ll love Witch Fever. The style is punk without borders as seen in their debut album “Congregation”, confrontational, but accessible. They are Amy (vocals), Alisha (guitar), Alex (bass) and Annabelle (drums).
Witch Fever had gathered quite a crowd tonight, with some travelling down from their home town of Manchester, to see the band perform. The band didn’t disappoint with their stage presence, heavy guitar sound and fierce vocals.
It was great to witness the interaction between Amy and the crowd who knew the words and didn’t need encouraging to join in throughout !
They deliver a set of scorching noise and high energy. What’s great about bands like this (an d CLT DRP for example) is that traditional kind of punk – confrontational and aggressive, a means of pressure release, but at the same time is accessible to all, inclusive and communal. More please !
Two bands that compliment each other well, and a great night all round.
Witch Fever are currently on a headline tour ending mid-September. Still a chance to catch them live, with dates in Newport, Reading, Bridgwater, Darlington, Edinburgh, Darwen, Leicester & Huddersfield.
