• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Login/ Register
  • Editorial Team
  • Get Involved

Exeposé Online

Making the headlines since 1987

Exeposé Online
  • Home
  • News
      • Local
      • COVID-19
      • University News
  • Comment
  • Features
      • National
      • Worldwide
      • Politics
      • Interviews
  • Science
      • News
      • Lite Science
      • Common Misconceptions
      • Environment
      • Health
      • Technology
  • Sport
  • Lifestyle
      • Fashion and Beauty
      • Features
      • Food
      • Wellbeing
      • Sustainability
  • Music
      • Interviews
      • Features
      • Live Reviews
      • Album Reviews
      • Single Reviews
  • Screen
      • Reviews
      • Features
      • Interviews
      • Festivals and Awards
  • Arts + Lit
      • Interviews
      • Features
      • Reviews
      • Creative Writing
  • Amplify
  • International
  • Multilingual
  • News
  • Comment
  • Features
  • Science
  • Sport
  • Lifestyle
  • Music
  • Screen
  • Arts + Lit
  • Amplify
  • International
  • Multilingual
Home / Music

ExTunes Christmas Party at the Old Firehouse, 6/12/15

With its candles, decorations, world-famous pizza and snug atmosphere, is there any better place to spend a December night than the Old Firehouse? Last Sunday was a cracker of a musical night for students and locals alike.

First up was Sam England with his own unique brand of alternative folk. He didn’t ruthlessly command attention but blended seamlessly into Firehouse’s catchy atmosphere, quietly curling his voice around carefully selected guitar notes while people nodded along. The laid-back beats were just enough to stop me from falling into a guitar and pizza-induced coma.  I enjoyed it so much that I was really rather disappointed when his half hour set came to a close. When I chatted to him after, he revealed he’s quite happy not to be the centre of attention. I get the feeling he’ll be increasingly noticed with more performances and an electronic remix in the pipeline.

Slightly reminiscent of Joseph Arthur and Ben Howard, I challenge anybody not to enjoy Sam England’s music. Or to not like him – his friendly personality draws you into his stage presence even more. His story of trying to get his physics lab report finished in between soundchecks and sets at Cavern made me laugh but also reminded me of how impressive student musicians are, juggling their talents and education. Sam England’s latest EP Red Skies, recorded last summer, is available on the usual selection of streams – Spotify, SoundCloud etc – and also in some rather sublimely designed hardcopies. Check out Exeposé Music‘s review of the EP here.

Semi-Toned is more than just a group that sing harmonies – it’s a close-knit community of guys passionate about acapella

In complete contrast to Sam’s chilled out set was Semi-Toned. Bouncing onto the stage, the 15-strong multi-award winning Acapella group exuded energy right from the start. The crowd swelled and there were more than a couple of people busting out some interesting dance moves. The beat boxing and bass were particularly impressive, keeping in line the confident harmonies which at times felt too much and crowded out the lead singers. My personal favourite was their fabulous Macarena, closely followed by Regina Spektor’s ‘Samson’.

Their Christmas medley got everyone in the spirit as usual. It was a shame that the melodies sometimes got lost within the fast, boisterous layers of acapella. I realised this was probably down to the venue; indeed, they were just what was needed to entertain a crowd of thousands the next evening at St James’ Park football stadium for the ECU Carol Service. It’s clear to see that Semi-Toned is more than just a group that sing harmonies – it’s a close-knit community of guys passionate about acapella. They’ve been in hot demand this month totalling eight performances in just the previous seven days.

At the end of Semi-Toned’s long set – how do they remember it all?! – I was tired out just by watching so much exuberance, and so was happy to settle down in the courtyard just before midnight to listen to carols from Exeter University Brass Ensemble (EUBE). If anyone wasn’t in the Christmas mood already, EUBE certainly put them in one. There’s nothing like hearing Christmas carols from a brass band, especially when so flawlessly arranged and conducted. Set up on the cobbles and amongst the tables, EUBE became part of the crowd.

It was a fantastic set up which meant pretty much everyone around – Semi-Toned members included – were singing along to carols ranging from ‘Silent Night’ to ‘O Little Town of Bethlehem’. In between songs, while the musician’s papers fluttered, conversations dissolved into nostalgic memories of carols at school, past Christmases and celebrations coming up. EUBE were just what was needed to round off a festive Firehouse session. Humming along to ‘In the Deep Midwinter’ and sipping mulled cider, the ExTunes Christmas party was the perfect way to finish off a busy term. I know I’ll be returning in the New Year to hear more of what our University musicians have to offer.

Share this:

  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)

Related

Dec 15, 2015 By Rebecca Broad Filed Under: Music, Live Reviews Tagged With: christmas, semi-toned, a capella, Extunes, old firehouse, acapella, Sam England, Red Skies, EUBE, Exeter University Brass Ensemble

Avatar

About Rebecca Broad

Becca is a part-time Biology student, part-time digital marketing freelancer, usually found making a list, Skyping her dog, on a bike, or googling "how to write shorter sentences".

Reader Interactions

Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

exeposemusic

Keeping you up to date with Exeter's music.
Print Editors: @bry.kg & Richard Ainslie
Online Editors: @megfrost_ & @stephenenwei
music@exepose.com

Last week, on a crisp September morning in Idaho F Last week, on a crisp September morning in Idaho Falls, Idaho, TikTok user 420doggface208 put Fleetwood Mac back on the charts with nothing more than a phone, a longboard and a bottle of Ocean Spray Cran-Raspberry juice. That’s a baffling sentence let alone idea. But once you watch a viral video of a man cruising down a slip road, sipping on juice and lip syncing to Stevie Nicks, it makes perfect sense.

Check out the rest of Max Ingleby’s article on TikTok music online now!
Check out the review of hip-hop duo Run the Jewels Check out the review of hip-hop duo Run the Jewels’ latest record, by @_will.thornton_
@aaronloose reviews indie icon Phoebe Bridgers’ @aaronloose reviews indie icon Phoebe Bridgers’ sophomore album online now! Check it out!
Online Lifestyle Editor Elinor Jones reviews one o Online Lifestyle Editor Elinor Jones reviews one of Frank Turner’s Facebook live gigs and discusses the importance of musicians supporting small venues during the pandemic in a new article online now! 🎸
Print Music Editor @bridiehazelaa reviews Lady Gag Print Music Editor @bridiehazelaa reviews Lady Gaga’s latest album - check it out online now!
Have a read of the review of the BBC’s attempt a Have a read of the review of the BBC’s attempt at a zoom-radio festival by @xharry_ online now!
Check out the interview with @frankiejonesmusic no Check out the interview with @frankiejonesmusic now up online, by print music editor @bridiehazelaa 🤩🖤
@bry.kg has reviewed Fiona Apple’s new album, ta @bry.kg has reviewed Fiona Apple’s new album, take a look on our website and have a read🤩
Print Music Editor @bridiehazelaa interviews @_ech Print Music Editor @bridiehazelaa interviews @_echohotel_ in the next of the Up and Comers series, on our website now!
Load More… Follow on Instagram
Tweets by Exeposé Music

Contact Us: editors@exepose.com

Since 1987, Exeposé has given a voice to Exeter students. Over the years, the determination and political fervour exhibited by students through Exeposé have helped shape the University we study at today. We have received national recognition for our award-winning campaigns, investigations and surveys, and always strive to provide students with high-quality news, comment and features.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in articles and comments do not reflect the views of Exeposé Online or the University of Exeter Student's Guild.

        


© 2021
Website design: Harry Caton and Ellie Cook
Webdesign & development: Harry Caton