Ever since transforming from simply being the foyer area to the Wedgewood Rooms many years ago, the Edge of the Wedge has always been a rather special venue. In particular when it comes to the heavier end of things, with tonight playing host to an impressive duo in the Pearl Harts.
First up, however, was something of a local surprise. I’d not had the pleasure of seeing opener Frankie Knight before and despite being a somewhat misplaced last-minute support act, she was pretty special.
By coincidence, I’d discovered earlier in the day that Dot Allison has a new album coming out (although look up her 2002’s “We Are Science”), as does Frankie. It meant a certain similarity between the acts immediately sprung to mind. Mainly the ability to transcend from beautiful ethereal vocal tracks into those driven home by synths and keys. Under normal circumstances, this would be further enhanced by her live drummer, but tonight Frankie was going solo.
The Pearl Harts – Love, Chaos and the Edge of the Wedge
When it comes to two-piece rock n roll, being up close to the Pearl Harts in the Edge of the Wedge is as good as it gets.
Lead singer/guitarist Kirsty Lowrey announced she hadn’t been feeling great all day but the sight of an (albeit relatively small) crowd gathered in Southsea immediately made her feel much better. At which point the slow pulsating intro tape had already kicked in, with Sara Leigh-Shaw on drums and backing vocals gradually pounding her kit.
Although it was when opener “Baby Chaos” broke into Kirsty’s first belt of guitar shredding the set really got going. The night was short and sweet, but with 2 albums to their name the Pearl Harts took the best from both releases.
Highlights being the likes of a catchy “More” and a punkier “Different Kinda Girl“. As the pair performed every minute with a raw energy that filled the room. The two bounce off each other musically, along with Sara’s voice often being more prominent than your standard backing vocals.
The evening never felt like it was going to require an encore, especially when “Hit the Bottle” and “Bad Blood” exploded out of the PA. Both songs moulded into one, the only thing missing by the end of it all being smashed guitars and a demolished kit. But both Kirsty and Sara are too nice for all that, hanging around afterwards to meet their audience rather than heading off to the privacy of their dressing room.
“Love, Chaos” by The Pearl Harts – Available to Order Now
