On Saturday the 10th of March, the genre-defying Steamchicken played both tracks and a couple of covers from their new album, ‘Look Both Ways’, to an intimate crowd at the Slaughtered Lamb.

The night began with an exceptional turn from the support act; the raucous folk four-piece Man the Lifeboats. Even though the set started some time later than the venue’s website promised, they managed to win over the room within just a few songs.

When it was time for them to make way for the main event, the crowd actually chanted for more. This is particularly impressive when you take into account that Man the Lifeboats have only been playing together since late 2016. They have the polish and the stage presence of a much more experienced band, and it’ll be exciting to see more from them in the future.

When Steamchicken took the stage, dressed to match in varying amounts of gold, the tone of the evening shifted slightly from joyous folk with a nihilistic edge, to something a little more off the beaten track. The Steamchicken’s cheeky and cheerfully played music, which they describe as “folk with a twist”, incorporates elements of ska, blues, and even a little funk.

It certainly wasn’t hard to dance to the upbeat yet sultry songs the band played that night. The woodwind players have incorporated some terribly endearing actions into a few of the tracks, and even the space itself, with mercifully few places to sit, actively encouraged the crowd to get up on their feet.

A rousing rendition of ‘Oh Mary’ and ‘Jericho’ stand out as highlights, but overall the band gave a very polished performance. Singer Amy Kakoura’s impressive voice barely wavered during the hour-long set, and the band looked like they were having a great time hitting all the notes like it was easy.

by Aidan Milan

If you´re wanting to see Steamchicken live check their Folk and Honey gig listing