Right in the centre of Norwich’s newest attempt at a trendy, bohemian area sits The Birdcage – a pub that fits in. It does well for itself, too. What used to be a pokey basement that housed a pool table and a clique of dodgy old men has been transformed into a pretty plush gig venue capable of hosting some lovely intimate gigs. Lovely is a word I hesitate to use, but that’s the most adequate description of Girl In A Thunderbolt’s set at this cabaret night without going overboard with cutesy similies and cliched blues references.

Girl In A Thunderbolt is currently playing just about every venue Norwich has (which I can assure you, is not as easy as it sounds). Characterised by soulfoul guitar and the smoothest vocals since Al Green sang Let’s Stay Together, her set demonstrated that she belongs nowhere near a Katie Melua-style (a.k.a estate agent music) songstress. Standing out from any other artist in this come-one-come-all caberet showcase, she used not only basic instruments, but a loop pedal which made her at least three times better than anyone I expected to hear at a tiny cabaret night. In brief, I liked her, and so did everyone else by the end of her (sadly, too short) set. Powerful and professional, Girl In A Thunderbolt takes emotive melodies and layers them over increasingly complicated loops.

There’s nothing quieter than a stunned audience, and every detail, down to her use of dual microphones to harmonise with herself was captivating. It’s a sign, in an industry which often cuts its’ own throat to fuel competitive selection, when another performer dedicates a song to you because of the beauty of your set.

That’s exactly what happened when Joshua Fisher took to the stage, with the backing of several musicians he called the Miles Away Project. Sounding like a modern Leonard Cohen on his own (which coming from me is a compliment of the highest order), Joshua Fisher is a great example of an emerging artist that borrows from dated genres in order to create a truly heartfelt performance. Further artistic competition came in the form of Jack Rundall – an upbeat and often comic acoustic singer songwriter that sounds roughly like Johnny Cash mixed with Neutral Milk Hotel.

It’s easy to sound incredible amongst a mediocre crowd, but it’s quite another to shine amongst an array of talented musicians. I think it’s only a matter of time before Girl In A Thunderbolt is electrifying audiences in much more fitting surroundings.

To find out more about Girl In A Thunderbolt and to find out how to buy her debut album Seven Sisters, visit:

http://www.girlinathunderbolt.com/

and for information on the other acts mentioned:

http://www.joshfisher.co.uk/

http://www.jackrundell.co.uk/