On the dot of nine Hoop arrived on stage flanked by Chloe Foy and another female musician with the presence of three mics indicating that the other ladies would be provided substantial vocal input. Dressed like wizards they were suitably atired for their surroundings…Hoop is a tall dominating figure who greeted her audience with open arms and the first song, ‘Hatred Had A Mother’. This was very much an ensemble piece with a Celt-style hand drum beating a steady rhythm (supplied to many songs on the night). Hoop, though American, centred this song, and most performed, on the English folk tradition (Hoop has lived in England for several years) albeit in a very modern and distinctive form. Hoop’s vocal was impressive and matched to the musical style, while the harmonies provided by her supporting players were flawless. The song’s melody was powerful while the lyrics portrayed a rather bleak message:

When you find good people
I sing for the river
When you find good people
A need for the giver
When you find good people
A wound at the trigger
An époque for the gun

Throughout the set the original nature of the music and their delivery remained distinctive while Hoop talked to the audience in between songs in deadly seriousness camouflaged by humour. The response from the audience was genuine and enthusiastic which made me believe they knew about this lady than I did. The setlist covered both her latest LP and her back-catalogue. Hoop proved to be a polished performer who sang songs engorged with person experiences and observations. Melodies, the style and qality of performance marked Hoop out as a deeply individual and original but accessible artist. At the end that an encore was demanded and delivered that completed a memorable and highly entertaining night.

‘Passage’s End’

There’s a house in the middle of the ocean
You can see it when the waves dive
Then they rise like furious mountains
Swallowing the girl inside it
You and I are connected by a wire
I feel what you feel
The hum is affection, pulse is desire
Anger is rasping, dissonance is fear

Setlist

Hatred Has A Mother
Sudden Light
The Lost Sky
Pegasi
Outside Of Eden
Passage’s End
Sioux Falls
I Was Just 14
One Way Mirror
Free of the Feeling
Like I Am Time
Lyrebird
Encore:
Shoulder Charge - guitar m9

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0thV8KVgDhQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4gxXmmqcrLY