Arc Iris at Rough Trade West

An explosion of different music genres – from soft to celtic , from classical to country – it is impossible to define Arc Iris of Rhode Island. They cite inspiration from 70s folk, pop and country traditions as well as cabaret, jazz and classical.

The band was formed by Jocie Adams, member of Low Anthem, and now singer, composer and guitar and pianist of Arc Iris with very young musicians: Zach Tenorio Miller (piano), Ray Belli (drums) Max Johnson (bass), Robin Ryczik (cello), Charlie Rose (pedal steel, trombone), and Mike Irwin (trumpet).

Last night four out of six Arc Iris members performed in the basement at Rough Trade West to promote their debut album of their same name . The atmosphere was happy and cosy, all of them were wearing bright, glittering clothes: Adams in particular sporting golden overalls, sequins on her face and electric blue eyeliner. Her engaging and spontaneous personality was not only evident in musical arrangements but also in the multiform scripts.

In an hour-long concert they played all the Arc Iris songs with a lot of energy and enthusiasm: from the cabaret-style Singing So Sweetly to the ballad Canadian Cowboy. The a cappella harmonisation of Whiskey Man stood out and the folky Money Gnomes was a treat for the dancers in the room.

Arc Iris put on a very passionate, talented and engaging show: check out their album as soon as you can.

Ludovica Uggeri

For further information and future events visit Arc Iris’s website here.

Watch the video for Singing So Sweetly here: