The Staves + Gabriel Rios @ o2 Institute, 1st November 2015
One could be forgiven for assuming that the person, or persons responsible for the beautifully adorned stage that will accommodate tonight’s performers, had extended their talents to the exterior of Birmingham’s Institute, as the entire outer shell finds itself swathed in a mischievous cloak of fog which has descended upon much of the city ahead of this evening’s show.
A sizeable, and impeccably attentive audience, have already staked their claim upon the Institute in time for the arrival of tonight’s support. Gabriel Rios and his cohorts – Ruben Samama and Amber Docters Van Leeuwen – take to the stage on not only their first visit to the Birmingham, but their very first time performing in the UK. Gabriel Rios may be centre stage, and may very well have his name up in lights, but it is clear that this group are intricately entwined, with each member feeding off the energy of their counterparts.
Van Leeuwen forcefully grips her cello, whilst Samama dominates the other side of the stage, a hair’s breadth from towering above the double base that he clasps in his hands. Whilst the effortlessly composed Rios guides the audience through a selection of songs taken from the newly released ‘This Marauder’s Midnight’. Rios’ voice is crystal clear, often whispered and delicate, occasionally soaring on songs like ‘Gold’ and ‘Burning Sun’. The band certainly make the desired impression, as Rios, himself, in addressing the audience, acknowledges the abundant receptiveness of the crowd tonight. They leave the stage having made their mark, much to the delight of all concerned.
The Staves entrance is superseded by the arrival of the three musicians that will accompany them tonight. Having been graciously received, they take up their positions behind the instruments of their choosing before The Staves cloak the stage, the reception you can imagine, is that much more enthusiastic. At this point, the stage descends into darkness, except for the three sisters, bathed in a token light, before breaking into ‘Hopeless’, taken from 2014’s ‘If I Was’.
The Staves demonstrate a quality of voicing that is although common to siblings, is nonetheless, a demanding and envious demonstration of a harmonious union. The sheer lack of accompaniment offers the opportunity to revel in rejoicing that such performers can muster. The primal stirrings that such minimalistic singing like this can evoke, renders the observer spellbound.
Another offering from the latest album follows on soon after the minimal opener. ‘Steady’, this time, with the entire band thriving in unison, is thrust into the hearts of the audience. ‘Let Me Down’ sees The Staves employ the so often bombast use of a vocal layering recorder. In this instance, the effect is sublime, as waves of sonic harmony lap like joyous waves from the centre stage.
‘No Me, No You, No More’ is easily the standout performance of the evening. Partly, as a result of the universally trodden pathway of a love that has found one half losing its burning desire, whilst the other, is left in the turmoil of trying to deny their feelings in an attempt at self-preservation. There are some songs that rise from the ashes of mortal truths that are so ubiquitous that they can’t fail to resonate more than most. The Staves more than live up to the headline billing. Their next visit to the Birmingham will surely see them gravitate towards a larger capacity venue.
Those in attendance tonight, will no doubt console themselves with the prospect of more to come as they disappear into the fog, warmed to the core by sonic renderings that have permeated every morsel they carry with them.
Review: Chris Curtis
Photographs: Stephanie Colledge