Live Review: Calva Louise - Waterfront, Norwich
20th April 2025
Support: Knife Bride
Words & Photos: Tom Atkin
On a night that the vast majority of alternative people are heading to one of Norwich’s biggest venues, it is very heart warming to see people turn up for a more “underground” show at the Waterfront Studio.
There was a good hour between doors and the first performance of the evening, which gave everyone plenty enough time to get in, grab a drink and then relax for a little while until Knife Bride took to the stage. Hailing from Brighton, Knife Bride are a band that have moulded their own sound with a mix from a fair few different genres, and what a sound that is! With exceptionally heavy guitar riffs that somehow carry an almost cinematic sound whilst mixing metal core aggression with a somewhat progressive weight.
The stand out part of the performance is Mollie Clack’s vocals, these are unique, effortlessly moving between melodies and what feels like unfiltered power with out an ounce of hesitation. Then there was the noise that she makes on some notes, I can’t describe it well; not quite high pitched, but not dull, instantly drawing attention. Whatever that sound is called, it was amazing, andfelt so raw.
They performed like a headline band to a crowd that treated them as such. A decent length set meant that after two or three songs the crowd were dancing along to the music added to the die hard fans who knew every word.
The main event; the London formed, multinational, Calva Louise. A band made up of members from France, New Zealand and Venezuala, all of which came to the UK separately for their love of the music scene here and formed this amazing sound scape when they met.
First impressions before the band even appear on stage are madeby an impressive amount of production on the back line, which is very unusual for the Waterfront Studio. We find out later in the set, much like all their released music and videos, this production is all made by the band. An incredible feat, the amount of effort that they have put in to put on this show is nothing short of impressive.
On to the music itself, that initial interest peaked by the production value does not stop. Starting the set with 'Tunnel Vision' which has a very gentle first few seconds before Jess Allanic’s vocals completely switch up the vibe followed by a brilliantly heavy riff with some technical licks thrown in for good measure. This is not a gentle introduction to them, this is full on in your face mix of post hardcore and alternative rock.
This tour is primarily supporting their 2025 album 'Edge of the Abyss', so naturally the fans are treated to the vast majority of the album. 'W.T.F.' brings even more technical riffs and even more evidence that Jess’s vocal and musical talent are an absolute treat to hear, effortless switching between more traditional singing, an almost punky type shout/scream and just to add to it, quick fire rap type lyrical delivery. Mastering all of them.
They delve into their Spanish language songs as well, 'El umbral', 'Con Corazon' and 'Lo Que Vale' all completely sang in the language. Using the same vocal techniques as the English spoken songs just further adds to the show.
By the mid way point, the crowd really has come alive, whilst its not circle pits and hardcore dancing, it is very obvious that everyone in here is enjoying Calva Louise as much as the band appear to be.
Going back to the production, considering it is all built in house, it would put a lot of other bands to shame, not all bands put this much effort in, especially in shows of this size. They want to give you the absolute best experience they can, and that hits the spot perfectly.
The band don't slow down, even on songs like 'Hate in Me' that brings a slightly more brooding feeling, the energy and intensity is still there. Riffs don’t get any less technical, drums still hit just as hard, every single part of this show is about giving their all, the crowd are definitely much appreciative of this.
If this show did not clash with another big artist, this show would have been sold out. The amount of love that they put into this needs to be given bigger rewards; an original sound, stellar production and a performance that is completely dialled in.
Photo Credit: Tom Atkin
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