On the evening of the twenty-seventh, Brixton is bitterly cold, and everyone in the Windmill’s smoking area is shivering over cigarettes and huddled together, bundled into an eclectic array of Afghan coats and leather jackets. The inside, however, is almost swelteringly hot; this is in part due to the fact that it’s packed with music fans – and people just after a cheap pint, of course.
Tonight is the first of the Windmill’s Cello Sundays, and the line-up consists of Platonica Erotica, The New Eves, and, of course, the highlight of the night, Blossom Caldarone, who is perched on the stage with a smile and a keyboard, almost reminiscent of Maisie Peters, with an assortment of string musicians behind her.
You would have been able to hear a pin drop if Blossom had stopped singing – the crowd seemed almost entranced by her performance, despite its relative simplicity. Even those who really were just along for the drink stopped to listen, Heinekens in hand. Everyone seemed captivated, not only by Blossom, but also by the fantastic ensemble behind her.
‘Fridge Space’, Blossom’s latest track, which was released at the end of October, was definitely a highlight of the set. Her vocals sounded immaculate, and the crowd seemed to appreciate the funny, deadpan lyrics – I certainly did.
Blossom treated us to some unreleased music too, playing a track right in the middle of her set that, in her own words, ‘doesn’t have a name, yet’ – and despite being sort-of-incomplete, it certainly didn’t sound that way. After, it was possibly the song the most fans were talking about – from what I heard, anyway.
Blossom finished the set with ‘The Princess Song’, another of her latest releases, which wouldn’t sound out of place in an old-school Disney film. It was an excellent end to the show – with witty lyrics and a lighthearted-sounding melody. Though I hadn’t heard it before, I have to say it’s become one of my favourites, and I’ve been listening to it practically on repeat in the days since the gig.
Although her set was relatively short (being right in the middle of the line-up), it didn’t feel incomplete. It was an excellent showcase of Caldarone’s work – including new and unreleased songs. As I left the venue, I couldn’t help but think that it was likely the smallest venue I’ll see Caldarone in – I have no doubt that she’ll soon be selling out much bigger venues, hopefully in the near future.
Words: Rosie Smith // Photo: Clint Frift
Check out more from Blossom Caldarone here.