Mirror Signal at Servant Jazz Quarters

Following on from his EP Broken Soldier, impressively composed within the comfort of his own bedroom, Mirror Signal launched his second record Herculean Task at the Servant Jazz Quarters on Monday. The stage situated below the bar, the beams across the ceiling and an open layout create a comfortable and homely atmosphere, only added to by the relaxed attitude of the band. They give the audience leave to imagine listening to the band jamming in their own garage. Lead singer/songwriter Steven Barker is a humorous fellow: between songs and during sound checks he converses easily with the crowd, amusing everyone without even trying.

Barker is accompanied by ‘his slaves’ as he jokingly puts it: two band members on synth/keyboard and bass guitar on occasional numbers, and one on the drums, both real and electronic. The overall sound is full and rich, trance-like and soulful simultaneously. It’s hypnotic.

It’s always a little difficult performing new songs, but the feature tracks from Herculean Task, like Dat Won’ Save Me, are well-received by the crowd. An air of solitude comes across in the music, so that one would feel at peace even listening to it alone. All Alone demonstrates this in a beautiful and tranquil manner, and it’s audible that Mirror Signal takes inspiration from the likes of Jamie XX. The band allows the lead to indulge in a solo Hundred, which he plays alone with the keyboard, slow and soulful. Here, he’s able to promote the smoothness and tonality of his rich voice with a fantastic range and perfect falsetto.

As well as his new material, Mirror Signal delights the audience with old favourites like Broken Soldier. Played with an acoustic guitar, the song has a full sound enriched by the harmonies of the three singers. Closing with One Day, the tempo and techno picks up, infectious to the audience. For the final encore, a clever cover Thinking About You by Frank Ocean rounds up a soulful evening of original jazz.

Emily D’Silva

For further information about Mirror Signal and future events, visit here.

Watch the video for Broken Soldier here: