Issue 7 – LIVE REVIEW: Elfi + Rory Rocket + Rita Carolina @ ACM Sounds, London

A regular ACM night across all three sites showcases the spectrum of music created by students, connecting souls and expressing powerful emotions. Words: India Langley

There was no need for an announcement. As soon as Elfi stepped onto the stage, all conversations around the room immediately came to a stop. All eyes turned to the beautiful sound; the music entranced all ears. This Thursday, Elfi traded her usual sound for a stripped-back set, with only piano to accompany her. This reduction in instruments didn’t reduce the hold her music had on her audience. When only one song can be reduced to its bare bones and still catch your attention, it’s impressive. When an artist’s entire set can do this, it’s incredible! Throughout the performance, I felt as though Elfi had a spell over the audience. Her voice had the whole audience captivated. Her lyrics mostly centre around love and heartbreak, and it seemed as though everyone in the room could relate to something within them. Combine this with her captivating voice, and you have the perfect recipe to keep an audience’s attention.

Towards the end of the set, a moment that really stuck out was when almost the entire audience joined in on one of her final few songs without her even asking! The whole room felt connected to her and those around. It was like being in a room with your closest friends, despite being surrounded by a few unfamiliar faces.

As Elfi closed her set and began to exit the stage, the audience practically begged for an encore, and she and her pianist quickly discussed which song to perform before wowing the audience with an unplanned final song.

Going back to the beginning of the night, the sense of camaraderie was almost overwhelming. This, paired with the cosy ambience and warming feeling of the small room, was the perfect setting for a night of ACM’s brilliant pop music.

Kicking off the night was Rita Carolina, an R&B-inspired future popstar. Rita’s music set the mood for the night. Emotionally powerful, and melodies you can feel in your soul. A standout song for me appeared early in the set. Peace of Mind was mesmerising! In this song, Rita Carolina expresses her experiences with ADHD in such a way that you feel as though you’re in her shoes, experiencing all she sings about. The chord choices perfectly reflect the emotions of the lyrics, almost as if they could be speaking the words. Towards the beginning of the second chorus, the way the drums kick in can be felt in your chest and sparks the sense of determination and strength that she must be mustering up against her struggles.#

During her set, Rita held her own on the stage, making a one-woman performance in a small pub feel so much bigger. Her interactions and movement around the stage, combined with her sound, are a big sign that she could very well be one of the next big pop stars in the near future.

Her set began with her earlier music and transitioned into her more recent songs, and you can clearly hear the development of her sound. 

The main support of the night was Rory Rocket, a performer who immediately catches your eye. I believe the R in Rory stands for red, as they were dressed in the most amazing shades of red, including a cat corset that I wish I owned myself. Rory’s set was a change of pace to Rita’s, with their set being acoustic guitar; this change kept the audience just as captivated. Their stage presence had a sense of familiarity, and felt as though they were an older sibling or cousin serenading you on a cosy evening. Some playful conversations were interspersed with the music, keeping a mellow yet uplifting feeling to the set. The songs really connected the audience even further, and their interactions kept everyone in good spirits. The last song was one that I’ll never forget, and one I was desperate to tell all my friends back home about. Writing a song about the cheese that was buried in The Great Fire of London is probably the most genius song idea ever, and has made Rory one of my favourite artists in the London music scene! Not only was the concept of a song written from the perspective of cheese amazing, but the emotions that came to the surface from this concept were even more insane!

This ACM Sounds made me realise how truthful the phrase “time flies when you’re having fun” is! The music, the atmosphere and the audience were nearly perfect, and kept me feeling a strong sense of community and belonging for the rest of the night. The next morning, I was still buzzing from the event! 

When I first walked into The Bread & Roses, I was hit with a wave of positivity. When I walked out, that feeling did not leave, but rather stuck with me the rest of the night and beyond, when I woke the next morning. 

India Langley is studying guitar at ACM Clapham, London. She is in charge of the band and artist billings for the Metropolis Blue record label. Contact her via thebuzz@acm.ac.uk

https://www.instagram.com/roryrockett

https://www.instagram.com/elfi.music/?hl=en

https://www.instagram.com/xritacarolinax/?hl=en