The Big Moon at Union Chapel

19^th December 2023

Christopher Connor

Shot by Nick Bennett

Christopher Connor Shot by Nick Bennett

19 December 2023

The Big Moon have had a phenomenal 2022 and 2023, with their stellar record Here is Everything released in October 2022 and some of their largest shows to date, including a sold-out show at Camden’s Roundhouse and a set at Glastonbury in the summer. The final stretch of their tour has seen the quartet playing more intimate venues, including another packed show at the iconic Union Chapel. This gig saw them accompanied by strings, which suited the resplendent, cosy surroundings – with the venue holding 900 people, you could hear a pin drop.

It was clear from the opener Wide Eyes that this would be a special night. Bassist/keyboardist Celia Archer commented that they would be doing things slightly differently as they welcomed the audience to their “office Christmas party”, a nod to their London roots. The string arrangements, co-ordinated by drummer Fern Ford, worked well with many of the tracks, especially those from Here Is Everything, adding an extra layer to songs that were already stellar. 

The set was full of surprises and a joyous celebration of the group’s sound and synergy: they were so at ease and confident it was a marvel to witness. There was a short interlude from the strings with a mini acoustic segment, which included Cupid from their debut album Love in the 4^th Dimension, a reworking that enhances the track. This segment also included Daydreaming, one of the standouts from their most recent album. The acoustic section demonstrated singer/guitarist Juliette Jackson and guitarist Soph Nathan’s interplay to perfection.

With the concert taking place in December, this was an ideal opportunity to perform their ethereal rendition of Carol of the Bells, giving it a festive air. Fans were treated to a performance of one of the earliest tracks the group recorded in 2015, The Road, a fascinating one to juxtapose with many of their more recent recordings. Trouble, which is always an energetic number, packed an extra punch in such a low-capacity setting, a fine showcase for Juliette, Celia and Soph’s harmonies. Closer Your Light capped the night off in fine fashion after a set that captured all the best The Big Moon have to offer, from soaring harmonies to more reflective moments, the balance between the stripped-back acoustic numbers and those accompanied by strings working all the more effectively.

The one slight drawback was the lack of tracks from their second album Walking Like We Do but with as strong a third record to build the set around this is a slight criticism in an otherwise exceptional set. The Big Moon remain an exhilarating live act and one to see on their next tour, equally at home at festivals and in the smallest of venues.

Christopher Connor
Photos: Nick Bennett

For further information and future events visit The Big Moon’s website here.

Watch the video for the single Your Light here: