Neutrinos, NAC, 11/12/21, photo © Julian Swainson

Saturday night is alright… at least it was if you were lucky enough to head for the Arts Centre for the welcome return of The Neutrinos.

This versatile and long established Norwich band have appeared in many iterations over recent years and their voices may also be heard in many other performance models whether it be Klang House or The Voice Project. The Neutrinos have always had a particular sound and a loyal following, who turned out to be reminded just why we like the band.

The evening show was split into two halves, with a set of quieter songs for the first half, and a return to the distinctly loud and familiar material to round the night off. Karen Reilly always gives a captivating performance and was on top form tonight through a remarkable range of songs. They clearly enjoy performing and pushing the boundaries of what we can expect from a band, with curious one sided phone call from guitarist Mark Howe sending things into the surreal zone. A thumping rhythm section performance from drummer Jeron Gundersen and bass Jon Baker gives the perfect counterpoint to Karen’s airy and fluid singing.

Like many musicians they have had a difficult couple of years with live performance often impossible and so were exploring the adventure of working together again, finding again the styles that have defined them as a group for many years but always adventuring and extending their sound.

An enjoyable evening which all present would love to see repeated soon and often. The counterpoint between the lounge style first set and the released pent up energy of the second half worked really well.

© Julian Swainson, Norwich Eye, 11 December 2021

 

Header photo from Xavier Marquis