Bury St Edmunds rapper EV wins BurySOUND's first heat
A night celebrating local talent has kicked off this year’s popular music competition.
BurySOUND 2023 saw acts Red Flag, EV, Angelkidd, Anorak and The Dutch House perform tonight at The Hunter Club in Bury St Edmunds.
After a headline performance from synth-pop duo, Amethysts, the winners were announced: EV
Ev, 26, from Bury St Edmunds, said: “It's so sick - I really appreciate it the fact that BurySOUND has reached out to a different genre this year.
“I'm proper buzzing for the final - I can't wait."
Red Flag opened the night with some feel-good rock pop harkening back to piano driven ballads of Queen and Journey.
The only red flag I could see was the trio’s lack of bassist - but the band more than made up for it with their catchy hooks and squealing guitar solos.
Next up was self-exclaimed ‘Bury boy’ EV who brought some refreshing, energetic rap to The Hunter Club to lift everyone’s Friday night mood.
EV’s stage presence was infectious and got the whole room moving and bobbing their heads to his effortless delivery and hypnotic house beats.
He will be performing in the grand final at The Apex on Friday, April 14.
Angelkidd was the third act of the night and he started his set with a moving one minute silence dedicated to a family member’s recent cancer diagnosis.
After some technical difficulties, Angelkidd performed a vulnerable acoustic set full of real life stories of his Haverhill upbringing.
Five-piece indie outfit Anorak smashed the stage with their tight sound reminiscent of early Bloc Party and Foals.
The front row was in the palm of their hands for the entire performance and for good reason - Anorak are ones to watch.
Soham-based rockers The Dutch House gave a solid performance whilst wearing their classic rock and neo-psychedelic influences on their sleeves.
The band’s ever-developing set was soaked in a wave of luscious sparkling guitar which did not disappoint.
Synth-pop duo Amethysts topped off the amazing night with their ambient guest headline slot.
They have become a Hunter Club favourite over the years and deliver complex songs of emotional fragility and atmospheric soundscapes.
If you couldn’t make the gig tonight, click below to listen to our BurySOUND 2023 Spotify playlist featuring recent singles and popular tracks from this year’s competitors.
The next heat will be on Friday, March 10 and will see Bluefeed, Grace Wells, Soma, The 07’s and The 29th Funktion take to the stage alongside headliners Fightmilk.
Each heat costs £5 and to book your tickets, click here.
Who do you think will win BurySOUND 2023? Send me an email to sam.harrison@iliffepublishing.co.uk.