Through The Lens: Årabrot / Jaye Jayle / Karin Park @ Satans Hollow, Manchester, 10th Nov 2023

I guess I should start this post off with yet another apology for the huge delay in getting these photos published from the Årabrot gig back in November last year as I just don’t know where my time goes these days. Anyway, enough excuses as I headed down to Satans Hollow slap bang in the middle of Manchester’s city centre to catch the cathartic Norwegians.

Before I set off, I’d already clocked the Tapestry Promotions gig was an early start with it being a Friday night as the venue was playing host to an afterparty for the Cavalera Conspiracy gig that was happening down the road. Now whether the early start or that gig had a knock-on effect on the poor turnout, I’m not sure as when I got there, I was shocked to see only a handful of people waiting to get in.

I’ll also say that despite the awesome décor that’s straight out of a Hammer Horror film set warehouse, or as Jaye Jayle aka Evan Patterson put it, ‘it’s like Disneyland on acid’ and whether the artists know it’s an ‘in the round’ layout before they arrive, or it even bothers them, I don’t know, but as an alternative night club, I imagine it’s great, as a live music venue though, it’s not for me.

Grumbles aside, it wasn’t long before Årabrot’s Karin Park gracefully walked around the venue and onto the ‘stage’ wafting around a sage smudge stick that soon filled the room with its aroma to set the scene for her dark ambience and electronica that followed. Although there seemed to be a couple of sound niggles early on, it soon settled down allowing Karin to deliver her hypnotic sonics with assurance.

Next up was the solo offerings from Jaye Jayle that featured just Evan Patterson, his guitar and a bunch of effects. A mesmerising set ensued as Patterson lovingly guided us through his dark, and stripped-down solo offerings that are difficult to pigeonhole being part experimental, part alt rock, or some might even say art rock. Either way, it was truly magical to experience a musician at the top of his game.

Now it was time for the main course as Årabrot brought the spirit and sounds of their Norwegian church to Manchester. Undeterred by the small but appreciative crowd, the trio, led by the master of ceremonies Kjetil Nernes, ripped through an hour or so of colossal noisy alternative rock that was only enhanced by the immense cross lighting rig that hung behind the drums. An awesome set from a band that really need to be witnessed live to fully appreciate.

Despite the poor turnout and a venue that is low on my list, it was still a top night of captivating noisy, experimental alt rock and electronica.

Årabrot

Jaye Jayle

Karin Park

Photos by: Lee Edwards