Review by Pete Finn for MPM
This one is a little bit different, and very special. MPM Tog ‘Statler’ Manson and myself are heading to the famed Marshall Amplification Factory to see an album launch intimate gig.
Our host for this prestigious event is the multi-talented singer/songwriter/musician, Arielle.
Born in New Jersey, Airelle’s musical journey began at just 5 years old when she joined the Peninsula Girls Chorus of California. She got her first guitar at the age of ten, and it was as if she had found her soul mate. She was ‘Discovered’ in 2010 by Extreme guitarist Nuno Bettencourt.
Arielle was handpicked by guitarist Sir Brian May for a key role in the London-based musical, “We Will Rock You.” The Sir Brian May link continues with her own BMG signature guitar, a copy of her favourite, affectionately known as ‘Two Tone’. More recently, Sir Brian named Arielle as one of his favourite guitarists in a feature for Guitar World.
According to Arielle’s website and referring to ‘Reel to Real’, her new vinyl release. It’s “Pure Analog Experience: “Reel to Real” was born in Nashville’s iconic Bomb Shelter studio, with every note recorded directly onto a 16-track 2-inch tape. By embracing the entire analogue process with vintage gear, this album promises a listening experience filled with the depth and warmth that only vinyl can deliver.”
Tonight’s show promises to be a bit unique, as it will feature two separate sets, the first being a live performance of some of the tracks on ‘Reel to Real’, then the second, a bespoke set featuring Arielle’s favourite songs, hand-picked exclusively for tonight’s event.
We’re inside the Marshall Performance Room, which has around its periphery various pieces of Marshall equipment and Natal Drums, it’s also nice to see that many of Arielle’s fellow artists are here offering their support to this special night.
Arielle and her band of Devin North (bass), Cody Moss (keys) and Emma Taylor (drums), start the ‘Reel to Real’ set. A quick jam, then a steady drum beat and riff welcomes in ‘Back to Being Bad’, Arielle narrates the lyrics with a sultry bluesy tone, the listener is drawn in. Moss’s keys provide a Hammond tone. The vocal rises and flows with the tempo, the solo has the hairs standing as Arielle utilises the Wah pedal to great effect.
Up next is ‘Mirror of Life’, a piano intro is followed with Arielle’s sharp lyrics, they’re passionate and her tone reminds me of Fleetwood Mac’s Stevie Nicks. The overall sound is smooth and captivating with the audience hanging on every word, her haunting solo has a slow pace as she picks the strings. The room is silent as we enjoy the moment.
The fun, funky blues driven ‘Bell-Bottoms & Bel Airs’ follows. This instrumental has a big blues sound, incorporating a North bass riff that makes you want to “Strut your stuff”. The Hammond keys and Arielle’s riff are velvety smooth. The track rises and falls as it carries you along on a very pleasant ride.
Arielle thanks the Marshall Factory for allowing them to play, and continues to say that she was very excited in the build-up to tonight’s performance. ‘Stray Dog’ is about a stray dog that used to come into her house, and about telling it that they are lost together. Arielle is narrating the story as she plays, Taylor supplies a supporting beat, Moss is plinking the keys. A real toe-tapper.
Gentle strumming with considerate beats from the rhythm section starts ‘Love for Yourself’, the most recent single. It’s ballad-esque, delicate, full of emotion. Arielle is taking you on a journey as she tells the story in her soothing tone, her eyes closed as she plays. The audience listening intently as their ears are caressed.
Devin North’s bass brings in ‘These Boots Are Made for Walkin’’, a cover of Nancy Sinatra’s 1966 monster hit. Incidentally, Arielle is wearing a pair of “Killer” boots that match her famed ‘Two Tone’ guitar. It’s quicker and heavier than the original full of big distorted riffs and clipped beats, Emma Taylor is thumping the kit, the band all Rock-Out, it’s great fun.
The band leave the stage, Arielle and Devin North return and we have a Question-and-Answer session, before the band rejoin and we begin the second set, which opens with ‘Digital World’ from ‘Analogue Girl in a Digital World’ which was released in 2021. The track starts with the brief ‘Dialup’ intro, Arielle’s vocal is with a backdrop of electronic sounding keys. It’s rocky and bouncy, Devin North’s bass is sending vibrations through the floor, the mid-section bridge has elements of The Who. The band are sounding superb.
‘This Is Our Intervention’ again from ‘Analogue Girl in a Digital World’ showcases Airelle’s vocal talent. Starting slow before it explodes into a white-knuckle rollercoaster ride as the tempo increases then slows as Arielle brings things under control with her strong calm words, before charging to the finish with all guns blazing.
2023’s ‘’73’ provides ‘Somewhere Slow’, this has a racing rock driven beat, Arielle’s deeper vocal blends with North’s bass. The guitar has a jangly sound which is sitting on bass wash, this with Moss’s Hammond keys adds depth and fills the room with sound, the tempo increases as the band open up and power towards the end of the song, Emma Taylor is singing along and nodding her head, as are the audience. Arielle is at the front of the stage as she teases out the solo.
Staying with ‘’73’ we have the title-track. It’s quick paced with rocking riffs and thumping beats. Arielle belts out the fun lyrics, a trip in her magical bus, a time machine back to ’73. Arielle plays a blues solo then a rock solo, ‘Two Tone’ is getting some hammer, his tremolo arm is flexing its muscles. Taylor’s rapid drumbeats combine fabulously with Arielle’s guitar work. The band play the track out with a big finish.
It’s back to Analogue Girl in a Digital World’ from 2021 for ‘You’re Still a Man’ it’s full of distortion, upbeat and punchy, there’s a great riff back bone that supports fun lyrics and a clever guitar solo, the driving rhythm bounces the track along. Cody Moss gives his keys some Jerry Lee Lewis treatment. The audience are enjoying this. Taylor closes the track with a rapid drum salvo.
The summer feel good track, ‘Genie’s Outta The Bottle’ from 2019’s ‘Suspension/Dimension’ is next. A quick riff and the track starts, with a high tempo that’s full of bounce. The beats are rapid, Devin North is spanking his bass strings and strutting, Arielle is swaying and jigging as she sings, the track builds to a big finish. Arielle thanks the audience and the band leave the stage.
It’s not too long before the band return, the final track of a superb night’s entertainment is the instrumental ‘Kalypso’ from ‘’73’. It has a real 70’s funk feel, big beats and dirty guitar. The guitar is heavy, distorted and sounds great, a real rock track.
Taylor’s drumbeat increases the tempo, Arielle is zig-zagging across the stage as she plays, the band are tight and enjoying it as they power out the track, Arielle moves to the stage edge then brings the show to a finish with a crunching guitar solo. WOW! That was awesome, and judging by the cheers and clapping, all in here agreed.
Setlist: Back to Being Bad; Mirror of Life; Bell-Bottoms & Bel Airs; Stray Dog; Love for Yourself; These Boots Are Made for Walkin’; Digital World; This Is Our Intervention; Somewhere Slow; 73; You’re Still a Man; Genie’s Outta The Bottle; Kalypso.
Photography by Manny Manson for MPM
