Opening our stage for the day was the stunning presence of Jazz Morley and her piano. Her name may make her sound already trapped in a genre, but rather than going all Duke Ellington on us she was more reminiscent of the unconquerable superpower that is Adele. She produces rich, powerful, emotive tunes that hush the atmosphere 'til everyone's too scared to breathe in case it breaks the spell. Her exceptional talent and musical capabilities gave her a real hold on both the audience as the stage... and we know that it doesn't always stand as the most important thing in the music industry these days, but she really is a very lovely person. Check out this performance of 'Parallel World' live from the Emerging Icons stage in the Olympic Park:
Another band delivering an adjusted version to their standard style were the very lovely Auction For The Promise Club. We had such a good time with them last week that they popped back to see us yet again. With the sun co-operating and frying the hell out of us, so many people made their way down enjoy the lush, greenery and some great music. With Toby taking the day off on drums, Perran joined Zoe on stage with just their two guitars and her gorgeous voice. It was as stripped back a performance as you can get while keeping your clothes on, but it worked like a dream. With the uniquely beguiling quality of our Zo's voice coaxing even more visitors along to the stage and their job was done. After admiring their work there were a few hugs then they were off far in the distance, like indie rock Mary Poppinses. Except they went off busking around the Park instead of mysteriously disappearing on duck-handled umbrellas.
The lively dance trio known as The Stowaways followed suit. Taking on an electronic sound with multiple distorted sampling and synthesis, these local lads got the blood pumping and feet moving faster than the athletes themselves. Their dance-pop style echoes contemporary indie but with an electrocuted twist. Combining falsetto and husky vocals full of angst, The Stowaways have a punchy, pulsing sound, layered with catchy beats that left even the geriatrics gyrating. Their funky synthesis brings nostalgic similarity to electro masters Chromeo, whilst frontman Jamie's emotive, powerful voice draws towards the likes of Kings of Leon. Dissonant, off-beat chords riddled amongst scintillating samples leave their style teetering along the lines of the indie genre, but with their own plethora of effects and pumping attitude, the trio depict an original sound that sets them from a scene that wallows in repetition. Few acts pull it off, but you can bet your bottom dollar The Stowaways are one of them. Here they are reporting back on the vibe in the Olympic Park:
We were more than happy to invite the ever gregarious Tankus The Henge back to play for us on this victorious afternoon. They often give off the vibe of six mental asylum escapees who have been given music lessons backstage at a Victorian circus... and in all honesty, what else could you ask for in terms of entertainment? Their second performance of the day turned into an energetic party for Team GB's golden girls and boys, although the conversion of excitement was more if you leave little boys to their own devices whilst giddy on e-numbers rather than completely fuelled by sporting elation. Either way, watching them go a bit nuts was the best way to spend an evening.