The evening felt less like a traditional gig and more like a carefully curated experience — one that blurred the lines between music, nature, and visual art. With her debut EP ‘Garden Shed’ set for release on April 17th, this show provided a glimpse into the world she has crafted so intentionally in her recordings.
Opening the night was Tom Oleander & Mina Mae. Both musicians and artists in their own right, the pair came together to offer a truly enchanting performance, setting the tone for the evening ahead. With Tom on acoustic guitar and vocals, and Mina accompanying on the violin, their harmonies filled the packed room, evoking a truly warm and inviting atmosphere.
Performing in a cosy art gallery in the heart of the vibrant seaside town REA calls home, she transformed the venue into an extension of her sonic world. From the moment she began playing, the air was thick with tranquility. Accompanied by an electric guitarist, she built ethereal soundscapes that perfectly complemented her delicate and reflective songwriting. The addition of pre-recorded bird and rain sounds — mirroring those in her upcoming EP — immersed the audience even further, bringing 'Garden Shed' to life in real time. The gentle birdsong and soft patter of rain made it feel as though we had stepped into her inner-world, and the songs felt suddenly tangible; it was hard to imagine the city existing outside of the confines of the gallery walls.
The beautiful artwork of Freya Croissant was displayed amongst the gallery space, and as a thoughtful touch, postcards featuring Freya’s artwork were scattered throughout the venue, each with a QR code linking to a secret song of REA’s. Adding an interactive element to the night, this allowed audience members to take a piece of both REA’s and Freya’s worlds home with them; a physical reminder of the night we’d collectively experienced of art, music, and nature coming together.
REA’s setlist was a stunning display of her ability to craft songs that feel both intimate and expansive, including her latest single released just last month, ’Talk’. One of the standout moments of the night was her breathtaking cover of ‘Flume’ by Bon Iver. Already a song drenched in melancholy, REA’s version was made even more tranquil and ethereal by the subtle instrumental layers and the ever-present nature sounds flooding the room. Nestled among her original tracks, it felt like a perfect addition, seamlessly blending with her own material.
The evening was a beautifully curated moment of stillness and reflection; a rare kind of gig that prioritises atmosphere and experience as much as it does musicianship. REA spoke about how she wrote the ‘Garden Shed’ EP in her dad’s garden shed — a detail that, given the organic textures of her sound and the immersive quality of her show, felt completely fitting. With more gigs on the horizon, including a headline EP launch at St Augustine’s Centre on April 26th (tickets TBA), her live performances promise to continue offering something truly special.
14th March | Sofar Sounds, St Luke’s Church, Brighton
2nd April | Folklore Rooms, Brighton - Supporting lilo
12th April | Homegrown Festival, Brighton
26th April | EP Launch, St Augustine’s Centre, Brighton - HEADLINE (tickets TBA)
