one4review | On 18, Nov 2024

Four songs, four stars. Seriously, it was that good.

Being a supporting act for a major artist can be a tough gig. For some, it’s seen as a rite of passage; for others, it can feel like an endurance test—both for the performer and, at times, the audience. When you’re the first of two support acts on the bill, it can make the experience even more nerve-wracking.

That said, a couple of factors worked in Demi Marriner’s favour. Firstly, the main act, the brilliant Elles Bailey, personally introduced this talented UK blues/country/Americana songstress to the audience. Secondly, The Fire Station boasts acoustics that are nothing short of perfect, making it arguably the best live venue in the North East.

Marriner is a rising star on the Americana scene and also a member of Bailey’s band. Her 2023 album, The Things We Didn’t Say, has been widely praised and is steadily winning over her own audience.

Taking the stage with an acoustic guitar, Marriner opened with Need to Know, a track that feels like a country hit in the making. The audience was immediately captivated.

Her next song, her new single Repeat Refrain, brought an early 70s James Taylor-inspired Americana vibe. Between songs, Marriner charmed the crowd with a humorous anecdote about writing the track with Tom West, an artist she met at a songwriting retreat in a remote part of the US. She described the retreat’s “high-class entertainment” as a squirrel-eating jamboree and dedicated her next song, One Way Conversation, to the animals. This slower ballad showcased her storytelling prowess and emotional depth.
Closing her set with Good Guy Act, Marriner delivered searing vocals reminiscent of Ronnie Blakely, adding a touch of Black Crowes-esque grit.

Her performance has left a powerful impression despite its brevity, proving that excellence isn’t bound by time.

With her talent, charm, and undeniable stage presence, Demi Marriner has all the potential to become a major force in UK Americana in the not-too-distant future.
****
Reviewed by Steve H
Sunderland Fire Station
14th November 2024