Millie Manders And The Shutup/Jora The Fortuneteller
The Shed , Leicester – 3/12/2021
It’s been fantastic seeing gigs happening again and although sadly many venues have been lost Leicester’s The Shed is one that has survived. It’s a vital part of the circuit helping to blood new acts as well as providing a platform for more established ones to put on tours and step up the ladder. Tonight’s openers Jora The Fortuneteller epitomise everything that is meant by asking people to support the support acts and that new artists can be just as good as the big chart toppers. This is a young band that oozes talent and ability, so much so it bursts out of them on stage. Musically they’re a mixture of rock, punk, indie and even a little jazz. They very much come across as a kind of Muse for the underground. You’ve got four individuals with huge talent who together are simply a blessing to watch. Jora The Fortunteller look like they belong on much bigger stages. If they can keep the momentum going soon they’ll be playing them.
With their month long tour nearing it’s end Millie Manders And The Shutup have got the bit firmly between their teeth. There’s an ease with which they gel brought about by that familiarity you get sharing both stage and van. Combine that with the sheer quality of material (particularly from the latest album) and this is a band on fire at the moment. Millie Manders herself is a master at the all important audience connection, even when joking about how often she fucks up each night. The multi-instrumentalist (sax,ukulele, guitar) is the consummate professional with a stunning vocal the icing on the cake. It’s an hour and a half of ska led rock and punk infused bliss. The guitar is on point, the drums precise and the bass, a special mention has to be made here. George on bass is clearly unwell during the set but soldiers on like a total bad ass until the end. She was unwell after the show too but thankfully has recovered well we understand. Millie and co are exactly what music needs right now. There’s a need for acts to step up and fill the shoes of those at the top that are long in the tooth and dying out. You need look no further than Millie Manders And The Shutup for at least one candidate.
Review and photos by Gary Trueman