The second night of their UK tour only shows more great things to come. Calva Louise had no rust to shake off as they exploded The Adrian Flux Waterfront Studio stage after KNIFE BRIDE got everyone raring to go.
KNIFE BRIDE opened giving the audience a false sense of security with the quiet intro to ‘Crucify’ and dancing from singer Mollie, only to be shouted at by Craig, the bassist, as the song really kicked in. Ears perked up and heads were banging instantly. The Nu-Gothika Metal band hailing from Brighton have clearly developed their own sound and mastered it. The tone and riffs keep coming as ‘Smother (Make Me Suffer)’ begins. Think of the theme from the movie ‘Psycho’, reimagined as a crushing riff. Sharp, sinister, and seriously heavy. The band introduced two new tracks, teasing their new EP coming out this Friday, the 24th April 2026. They finished with ‘Worthy’ which confirmed for me which tone I want to have as a musician. Dynamics switch from intense in the intro, to ethereal in the verse, only to flip the song on its head in the chorus once again. The ending of the song, and set, was met with a heavy breakdown where none of the crowd could refrain from gritting their teeth and banging their heads. After chatting with them at the end of the night, it is easy to say they are a lovely bunch of people with great talent and kindness, and I cant wait to see them at another show as a new, huge fan. For fans of Spiritbox, Thornhill, VUKOVI.
Calva Louise enter, leaving only a moment of respite during the opening of their set with a dark stage, suddenly the backdrop lights up a bright red as they come on. Starting with ‘The Abyss’ and creating a tense build-up into ‘Tunnel Vision’. Jess screams “This life’s just begun” as she slides her keyboard to the side and readies her guitar to drop into the song and really begin the set. She makes switching between singing and gutterals so effortless, showing nearly no expression other than a warm smile. Alizon and Ben, the bassist and drummer respectively, designed all of the stage props, lighting and band equipment. Such as Jess’ sliding keyboard. Jess is amazing with Blender and art, creating the band’s music videos through the use of CGI worlds and models built using the software.
A fan favourite, ‘W.T.F’ is played next. To screams from cheering fans as Jess whispers the starting lyrics. Having not seen Calva Louise since Download Festival in 2024, it is great to be in front of them again, enjoying their newest album in all of its glory. This is where the crowd starts to move around a lot more, singing along and dancing. After telling the audience that the members are from Venezuela, France and New Zealand. They say that they are “a British band, with flavour” to introduce ‘El Umbral’ (The Threshold). It is refreshing and wonderful to hear lyrics sung so well in Jess’ mother tongue; it adds more elements to the song. It gives it a cultural feel and a smoother flow to vocals.
Calva Louise play an older song next, ‘Third Class Citizen’ and then ‘Over the Threshold’ from their album in 2023. Showing that their intensity has remained from their recent music, and still to their new music. Throughout all of the intensity during and between songs, the band all still smile and interact with the audience with such warmth. Seeing the technicality of flawlessly playing guitar and piano solos whilst singing simultaneously takes your breath away.
Towards the end of the set, ‘Aimless’ is the song that stands out as a whole for everyone who attended. The crowd start dancing, preparing to mosh and singing along. The beautiful Spanish guitar intro gets overthrown by the heavy riff for a moment before the verse comes back in to continue. No one can resist moving. Especially when the pit opens up for the breakdown and ending, which transitions smoothly as Jess introduces the final song of the set, ‘Oportunista’. Thanking the crowd for the last time before ending with one more riff and walking off to ‘Alma Llanera’ by Simón Díaz.
An intense night, but filled with warmth from both bands and gratitude for allowing them to do what they do. Play and create amazing music, really well. Having seen how Calva Louise have not only grown in terms of their music, but also what they are accomplishing, is really amazing to see for them. KNIFE BRIDE have also gained a fan for life from me too.
Words & Photos – Andrew Lewis
