LIVE FROM THE PIT: Orchards, Congratulations and Hilang Child

Community, hope, friendship. Three things that the world so desperately needs right now, were all brought together so effortlessly by Brighton-based Orchards at their London show. Comprised of vocalist Lucy Evers, bassist Dan Fane and guitarist Sam Rushton, these math pop masters brought their studio album Bicker to life on the eponymous Bicker Tour. The album in question, crafted over the span of three years and released this March, marks a new and exciting era for the band.

First to take to the stage was Hilang Child, the soundscape project of Ed Riman - indie singer-songwriter and newly announced drummer for Orchards. Including tracks centering the theme of social anxiety, Hilang Child’s smooth percussion beats, mesmerising drum solos and beautifully echoing vocals drew the crowd in. Set to release a new album later this year, exciting things are on the horizon for Hilang Child.

Bursting onto the stage next was quartet congratulations. This Brighton based group have their aesthetic locked down - each sporting a different colour: yellow, blue, green and red, respectfully. Seamlessly, their set hopped, skipped and jumped from sports-pop surf core to upbeat, groovy melodies and heavy rock guitar riffs. Lead singer Leah Stanhope‘s electrifying vocals and hypnotic headbangs animated the audience further. The band brought their music straight to the floor - literally - with fans flocked around guitarist Jamie Chellar as he took his epic guitar riff straight into the crowd. A band that commands the stage and audiences alike with such ease. 

Under Moth Club’s iconic glitter covered ceiling, Orchards bright energy dazzled the room. Walking on stage to a voiceover of hate comments, the band played ‘Say It’, the first track from their newest album. Dancing around the stage quickly dispelled any doubt that the band cared about the online remarks. Moving onto ‘Honey’ and ‘Gerl’ showcased their ability to interflow catchy rhythmic guitar riffs with controlled beats. 

Taking a moment, Lucy Evers slowed down the tempo to deliver ‘Bethnal Green’, a  tear-jerking ode to her hometown and London roots. The emotionally angelic harmonies of Lucy and Sam, delicate vocals and acoustic guitar rhythm throughout lulled listeners into a gentle sway as Dan brought the song to new heights with a layered electric guitar solo.

Picking up the momentum, Orchards invited the crowd to dance along as they went straight into ‘Good For You, Good For Me’ before welcoming back old favourites, ‘Peggy’ and ‘Be Here’, stirring the crowd into chanting back the bridge. 

The whole room came together as one jumping and singing along to ‘Luv You 2’, following Lucy’s lead under the pride flag she donned on her shoulder for the closing song of the set.  

“Music is the sun. We need it to grow” lead singer Lucy expressed to the crowd, in what felt like an intimate conversation between friends. Aware of how scary the world can be right now, the band reaffirmed their stance on music as a place for comfort and unity. If music is indeed the sun, Orchards have basked in its warmth and become an energetic forcefield of their own. 

Continuing the spirit of community, Lucy not only helped design the merch, but went straight from smashing out powerful vocals on stage to selling merch at the stall. A true testament to the band’s commitment to the ethos of Orchards.

From the vibrancy of the band’s stage presence to the carefully crafted set list, the entire night filled the room with optimism and a promise that good music has the power to bring strangers together. Orchards are the perfect example of what happens when a band doesn’t prescribe themselves to fitting into a box. The results? Glittery, gritty and full of feeling. 

Words: Mary Horner

Photos: Shan Cullen