LOUD WOMEN Fest: The Amersham Arms, London – live review

LOUD WOMEN Fest
Muff | Queen Cult | Pink Suits | Chroma | The Menstrual Cramps
The Amersham Arms, London
2nd September 2022

LOUD WOMEN organised an incredible two-day Fest in the cool Amersham Arms, with nearly 30 acts giving power and visibility to women and non-binary musicians.

I have the pleasure of attending the first evening and taking you along with me through an incredible line-up.

A new venue to me, but the chilled atmosphere makes me at ease and gives me that feeling of home that only this type of venue does.

The first act of the night is Brighton riot girls, Muff. Muff is a four-piece all-girl band of absolute firecrackers. They might seem young, but the energy and the punk essence they have is palpable and fresh to see.

They smash it with their set, including a few covers such as Blurred Lines and Grace Kelly topped all off with her latest single Feminine Dream. Raw energy and passion are two characteristics that define Muff, which is a band that you want to see live.

After a short break, we have Queen Cult and I’m quite excited as this is my second time watching them live. Their musical references are broad and include No Doubt, Paramore, Royal Blood and Nothing But Thieves.

They have a few technical issues, but nothing can stop this femme-queer band who are ready to take it up a level. As usual, vocalist and guitarist Maisie Johnson’s humour is present and makes us all giggle. Even without bassist Leila Jacklin, Maisie, Brodie and Piers still kick ass with their strong riffs and deep lyrics, like in the new single Better Believe It which has come out today and is performed live for us, the highlight of the night. This is very much a live-focused band and once you see them play for the first time, you’ll fall in love with them.

Before the next act starts playing, we have a feminist activist from Alliance For Choice, a Northern Irish abortion support campaign group, here to explain and promote their cause.

The room is full of fans that want the set to never end, but we now move on to the next act, non-binary rock rage duo Pink Suits.

If you’ve seen them before they might not be your cup of tea, but their music will make you think twice about the society we live in; loud, aggressive, political and rebellious are all part of what Pink Suits are. Ray’s voice tonight feels louder while slamming the drum alongside Lennie’s deeper one.

Time for a little break and another bit of feminist activism from Level Up; Jane Starling who gives voice to pregnant women in prisons while running bystander intervention training and campaigning.

The fourth band of the night is CHROMA, a bi-lingual, alt-rock band from Wales. The three are hotly tipped by Under The Radar Mag as one to watch in 2022 and they prove it tonight with their strong riffs, high-energy beats and wild powerhouse vocals by lead singer Katie Hall.

CHROMA have played festivals such as Reading & Leeds Festival, FOCUS Wales and sold-out shows all over the UK. They are now under the excellent Libertino label and have released a double A-side release Weithiau/Caru Cyffuriau; two sides of fuzzed-up indie that mix some grit into their pop.

Their sound is strong, and Katie, Bev and Zac create an exciting and powerful experience.

And last but not least we have queer DIY punk band from Bristol, The Menstrual Cramps. After seeing them back in May, it’s great to have the chance to be at one of their shows again.

Outspoken and hilarious, they charm the crowd with their songs, spewing their political opinions and experiences of sexism.

Frontwoman Emilia Elfrida has an incredible stage presence, and her witty humour is always present alongside their brutally honest lyrics.

Successfully doing an amazing job, the room becomes hotter, and people are starting to jump.

Emilia is very aware of her sensuality; she encourages people in the audience to wave dildos in the air, if they have one with them, before playing the song Mutual Masturbation. Needless to say, everyone bursts out laughing.

It’s an evening full of great bands and music.

Follow Muff: Facebook | Instagram | Linktree
Follow Queen Cult: soundcloud | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
Follow Pink Suits: website | bandcamp | Facebook | Instagram
Follow CHROMA: website | spotify | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
Follow The Menstrual Cramps: bandcamp| Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

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All words and photos by Selena Ferro: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | portfolio

Please note: Use of these images in any form without permission is illegal.

Source: louderthanwar.com