An AQA Anthology Classic - LYR, Hoxton Hall 4/10/23

The last time I saw Simon Armitage was at the Norwich Theatre Royal for GCSE Poetry Live c. 2004-5, when I was balls-deep in the AQA Anthology. Fast forward 18 years later and the now Poet Laureate is penning lyrics for his band LYR. And me, well I’ve just developed deeper laughter lines and a bad back.

LYR released their first album during lockdown 2020. Their set at the intimate Hoxton Hall had touches harking back to those deep dark depths, particularly the haunting 'The Song Thrush and The Mountain Ash'. 'Hockney Red' (aka I Am Not a Waitress), about a young Simon’s experimentation with the scarlet-coloured nail polish at his mother’s dressing table, had great samples, lyrics evoking the soft luscious environment of her bedroom, and childlike calls to match.

Combined with Armitage's words, the ethereal almost Thom Yorke-voice of Richard Walters and masterful sample soundscapes from Patrick J Pearson create pure alchemy. Although some may say the spoken word can be repetitive, this certainly was not. Great visuals also added an extra depth to this gig.

Shoutout too to the support act Elanor Moss who weaved a web of magical folk, including her song 'I'm So Fucking Tired All the Time'. An anthem for the modern age.

LYR and Elanor Moss are both on tour until November 2023.