Dea Matrona - Review - Clwb Ifor Bach - 11/05/2024

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The night began with an acoustic set by Eleri, who quickly warmed up the packed crowd downstairs at Clwb Ifor Bach. In addition to her original songs, she delivered a captivating cover of Nancy Sinatra's "These Boots Are Made for Walkin'." which the crowd thoroughly enjoyed, singing along enthusiastically. It was heartening to see the venue full for the support act, a rarity these days but a true testament to Eleri's talent as a live performer. Her performance concluded with a big round of applause, perfectly setting the stage for Dea Matrona. Eleri will be performing next on May 21st at The Moon, with other support slots to be announced. Don't miss the chance to see her live—highly recommended.

Following Eleri, Dea Matrona took the stage, greeted by an eager and energised audience. They started their set with a powerful drum intro that had everyone clapping and raising their hands. The band's high-energy performance and dynamic stage presence kept the crowd engaged throughout, leading to thunderous applause after their opening.

The setlist was a well-crafted mix of their original hits and some well-chosen covers. Highlights included "Stamp On It," "So Damn Dangerous," and the lead single "Black Rain" from their latest album For Your Sins, which was my favourite song of the night. Their rendition of Prince's "KISS" and Sophie Ellis-Bextor's "Murder on the Dancefloor" had the crowd singing and dancing along, showing the band's versatility and ability to keep the energy high.

Prior to performing "Wilderness," Dea Matrona asked the audience if they had seen them play before, with many shouting out that they had seen them in Bristol. The band then inquired if it was anyone's first time seeing them, and a large number of people responded with enthusiastic cheers, highlighting their growing popularity.

Another standout moment was the introduction of "Dead Man’s Heart," where the band embraced a country vibe, complete with sparkly cowgirl hats, and had the crowd shouting "yeehaw." This playful interaction showcased their ability to create a fun and engaging atmosphere.

The evening concluded with a powerful encore of "Make You My Star," leaving the audience on a high note. This was my first time seeing Dea Matrona live, and I've been listening to them nonstop since. Their debut album is sure to be a hit with fans of rock and country. While it features strong pop elements, their music has a unique sound that blends various genres seamlessly. The album is truly impressive. Their stage presence is electrifying, and they deliver a captivating performance with their band. I will definitely be going to see them again. Speaking with a couple of enthusiastic fans, it's clear that Dea Matrona has a strong following. The atmosphere was fantastic, and everyone seemed to have a great time, making it a night to remember at Clwb Ifor Bach.

Set List:

Stamp On It

Get My Mind Off 

Stuck On You

Did Nobody Ever Love You?

KISS (Prince Cover)

Wilderness 

Nobody’s Child

So Damn Dangerous 

Oh Well

Black Rain 

Glory, Glory 

Dead Man’s Heart

Every Night I Want You

Muder On The Dancefloor (Sophie Ellis-Bexter Cover)

Red Button

Make You My Star (Encore)

Preview - Dea Matrona - 11th May - Clwb Ifor Bach

Hot off the release of their debut album 'For Your Sins', Dea Matrona is currently on an electrifying tour. Catch them live in Cardiff this Saturday as they take the stage at Clwb Ifor Bach, promising an unforgettable performance.

Dea Matrona is a dynamic duo consisting of childhood friends Mollie McGinn and Orlaith Forsythe. Their musical journey began on the streets of Belfast, where they honed their craft by busking to beloved rock 'n' roll classics like Led Zeppelin's 'Whole Lotta Love' and Simon & Garfunkel's 'Homeward Bound'. Their debut album seamlessly merges indie pop and rock influences, drawing inspiration from iconic bands such as Fleetwood Mac, HAIM, The White Stripes, and Arctic Monkeys.

For Your Sins’ stands as a unique passion project, showcasing their innovative blend of sounds like never before. Highlighted tracks on the album include "Black Rain," "Stamp on It," and "So Damn Dangerous," among others. With their powerful riffs and intense musicality, Dea Matrona has carved out a unique and sensational sound – raw and authentic yet brimming with melody and flair. It's a rare blend that sets them apart, delivering a gritty, genuine experience infused with their own distinctive style. With their authentic and powerful sound, Dea Matrona is poised to captivate rock fans and leave a lasting impression. 

This performance is a must-see. Limited tickets are still available - https://bnds.us/1fh5nd

If you can't make it to the show, don't forget to give their album a listen on all major platforms.

Coldplay - Clwb Ifor Bach....and the rest is history !!

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As the mammoth Coldplay play their second night at a sell-out Principality Stadium it is cool to remember their humble beginnings and the band’s first solo visit to the Capital, the band playing the tiny Clwb Ifor Bach, in comparison to the giant stadia they find themselves in today.

It was the 20 June 2000, an amazing 23 years ago that the band made their first headlining visit to Cardiff, it could not be more different than where they find themselves today. The band had visited the city earlier in the year as part of a package that included Shack, Campag Velocet, Les Rythmes Digitales on the NME Premier Tour.

The band were just about to release their debut album Parachutes the following month, a commercial success achieving rave reviews on release, quickly reaching Number 1 in the UK, and currently certified 9x Platinum.

It won the Grammy Award for Best Alternative Music Album in 2002, the British Album of the Year award at the 2001 Brit Awards and many other accolades.

Parachutes is also the 22nd best-selling album of the 21st century in the United Kingdom. As of 2020, it has sold over 13 million copies worldwide.

Coldplay were apologetic during their Principality Stadium gig in Cardiff 17 years later that they had not performed in the capital sooner. Lead singer Chris Martin told the Principality Stadium audience: "We haven't been in Wales for a long long time and that's because we've been rehearsing for 17 years to make the best show we've done."

Formed in London in 1996. They consist of vocalist and pianist Chris Martin, guitarist Jonny Buckland, bassist Guy Berryman, drummer Will Champion and creative director Phil Harvey.

They met at University College London and began playing music together from 1996 to 1998, first calling themselves Pectoralz and then Starfish.