So, I find myself in The Victoria, Brum’s very own Leaky Cauldron, attending a show organised to raise funds for Leila Antony, a dear friend of MeMe Detroit and a cancer patient. Leila is an enduring personality, she is charming, a delight to watch when she does perform, and it is incredibly sad to watch her under these extremely difficult circumstances.
It was a decent enough crowd for opening act, Luca Simian, local boy and his guitar wowing the fans with his folk inspired tunes. I have not heard of him before, but what I saw was a talented singer/guitarist, at the beginning of his journey. His exchange with the audience was pleasant enough, his voice matches his youthful countenance, wistful and romantic. I would say he is one to watch as he makes his way through the murky waters of this industry, good things are definitely in store with the right attitude and the right support in place. He reminded me of Benjamin Francis Leftwich, with similar tones and musical textures.
Next up, a band that I have heard of, but not heard much of their music. The delightfully fragrant duo of Emily and Arthur work under the monicker, You, Me and the Trees and I must say I really enjoyed their set. With Arthur strumming to perfection and Emily gently bouncing around the small stage, her voice is engaging and versatile as she hits the variety of notes so beautifully. We were treated to some brand new songs, piquing our interest as they zoomed through a set full of short yet sweet numbers, the beauty is the brevity.
It was a full room for local legend MeMe Detroit, and I would not have expected anything less, she is a firecracker onstage, accompanied by the feisty and fiercely driven drum and bass section, Ade and Kallum, who release some pretty mean rock and rolling frets and beats to tear off the sticking plasters that hold your broken souls together. We are the ‘Soc Med Junkies’ we live online, we do everything in the public eye, there is no limit to the good, the bad and the warped and twisted when it comes to the Internet. The timeless classic ‘How She Runs’ is next, it is a love story that is gorgeously crafted, and expertly delivered with such style and grace that is reserved for the innately gifted. With a powerhouse vocal performance that literally shakes the room and detonates each and every cell in our being, MeMe Detroit and her band are an explosive act, they are a must watch act and no fucking excuses! The music is full of different layers, different sounds that make for a listening experience that is pure genius. You will find Punk, Grunge, Rock, Garage Rock and a host of characteristics and traits that fuse together resulting in tonight’s staggeringly gripping set that realigns your grey matter to be certain you are paying attention.
We finish with the Fleetwood Mac cover ‘Dreams’ as Leila takes the stage for a mystical and mesmerising piece of artistry.
It was a night of mixed emotions, I am sure you will all wish Leila the very best as she faces the most heart-breaking of scenarios, her nearest and dearest are working tirelessly to ensure that no stone is left unturned to help her, their efforts are a credit to our humanity and worthy of our support and assistance.
‘And I don’t know what I’m supposed to do, but if she feels bad, then I do too, so I let her be…… her diamonds bring me down’.
Azra Pathan
MeMe Detroit, You, Me and the Trees, Luca Simian at The Victoria, Saturday 13th April 2024.