MON ROVîA // THE FLEECE, BRISTOL
An Intimate Show Full of Heart
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐(5/5)
MON RÔVIA AT THE FLEECE, BRISTOL
PHOTOCREDIT: ROSIE RISDALE
In times of darkness we turn to music to for some peace of mind. I believe that Liberian born artist Mon Rovia does just that. To no surprise did the fleece sell out for the now US based artist, his new album storming the charts and telling the truth of the times we now live in, I was ecstatic to have the opportunity to see and photograph one of my new favourite artists live at such an intimate venue in Bristol. The Fleece is many things, the orchestrator of mosh pits, tribute bands and up and coming local artists, the perfect place for the honeyed tones of Mon Rovîa to settle in for the night, to a sold out crowd of supporters young and old.
Coming out onto stage with a a gracious smile and a wave to the crowd, the singer immediately began with “Jester In the bowl” a tender discussion on identity, the feeling of diminishing oneself for the benefit of others. The melody ebbs and flows and wanders, letting the sparse instrumentation give space to the singers’ tender vocals to grow into the room.
The strength of this artists presence in a venue does not come from loud instruments or flashy visuals; it comes from deep seated connection with his audience, the quiet spoken moments of contemplation in between songs, talking of life, of displacement, of protesting against those who wrong us. As much as I and everyone was there to listen to his music, these moments he shared with us, bearing his inner most thoughts really created an impact, with thunderous applause echoing once he had stopped. Hearing someone with a platform speak out against the politicians and billionaires, the sponsors of conflict and horror, sets my mind at ease that there is hope, that the artists we support do and can make a difference.
For that reason the stand out track for me was “Heavy foot”, which yes is one of his most famous, for good reason. A slightly more upbeat song than the majority of his discography, the track is full of hope and rebellion, to look to the community around us to take a stand against the government and the spreaders of propaganda and hatred. The steady rhythm acting like a drum found at a protest, an anthem for the people to march to. Other songs that got the crowd swaying were; “Running boy” a track founded in the desire to stop running from the past and look towards the present and future, to find peace in the chaos, to find a breath and seek respite from the memories chasing us.
“City on the hill” “Rust.” “Field song” and “ to watch the world spin” were beautiful to listen to live, gig goers around me harmonising softly around me, soaking in one of their favourite musicians crooning tones, artist and fans together as one in the Bristolian venue. Mon Rovîa’s new album “Bloodline” is understandably taking over the folk and indie charts, it capturing the worlds attention in the artists quiet yet defiant manner, his powerful lyrics ensnaring and releasing, talking of all moments of life relevant to the next person if not to yourself.
The show was breathtaking, minimal instruments to highlight the warmth of Mon Rovîas voice; fitting perfectly with the end of the weekend atmosphere stirring in the venue, and setting the tone for the new day, one of hope and a desire to be better.
REVIEW + PHOTOS BY: ROSIE RISDALE
