with Dan Fordham and Mattias Refeyton
Reviewed by Trevor Locke.
Tonight we were at the Big Difference, in Leicester’s High Street, for one of its regular weekly events.
Three acts were on the bill: Dan Fordham, Mattias Refeyton and Kath Moskvina.
Dan Fordham made his first appearance, in Leicester, tonight as a solo artist. From Market Harborough, he gave a set of songs with a strong and fulsome voice, accompanying himself on the guitar.
An enjoyable set of songs, his performance went down well with the audience. As I said to him, afterwards, “You can come again.” I meant I thought his act was so good I would not hesitate to see him again next time he is in Leicester.
Originally from France, Mattias Refeyton is a remarkable musician. His instrumental set, performed on an unusual seven-string guitar, was as remarkable as it was enjoyable.
Accompanied by backing tracks, he played a set of songs that were mainly what I would call ‘heavy rock.’ It was an exhibition of the art of the guitar. His first song – originally by Eddie Van Halen – drew an enthusiastic response from the audience. What he did was sensational. As I said afterwards, “I last heard guitar playing of that standard when I saw Jimmy Hendrix play live, in London, many years ago.”
“The French bloke started”, Kevin Gaughan commented, “with one of my all-time favourite songs – Hot for Teacher by Van Halen (from the album 1984) which ended with rapturous applause.” He also played Joe Satrini’s Satch Boogie and one of his own songs (for the first time) which was written in 2017.
The next artist was very different. Kath Moskvina had been spotted earlier by Music in Leicester magazine which published a review of her single Pirate State (read the review here). Tonight she performed songs from her debut album Rebirth which was released this month.
Rebirth is a concept album that reflects how outside forces can influence and even distort our lives if we don’t take charge of our own paths. The album progresses toward a turning point where, through the support of another, we find the strength to rise above adversity and growing into a better version of who you are.
The show was to celebrate the release of her new album (on 15th November) which she performed in it’s entirety with two cover songs at the end. Her music is about her observations of social inequality but with a positive message.
Her last song was ‘Killing in the name of’ by Rage Against the Machine.
As reviewer Adam Piotrowski wrote, ‘Pirate State is the first single by Leicestershire musician, songwriter, producer, and film-maker Kath Moskvina. The artist’s debut mixes elements of electronic music, medieval-sounding melodies and dystopian themes. This broad range of influences and styles can sometimes feel jumbled, but when the rhythm is in full flow, there is a certain power to it which is enhanced by the vocal delivery with a unique and timeless style.’
Hear her Rebirth album here.
Follow Kath Moskvina on Instagram here.
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