BEFORE BREAKFAST @ THE UPPER CHAPEL

Given that Before Breakfast have been so synonymous with the inclusive and progressive side of Sheffield’s music scene for a while now, it’s perhaps a surprise that their first album, I Could Be Asleep If It Weren’t For You, was only released last year.

Never a band to rest on their laurels, though, just a year on from their first full-length effort comes a brand spanking new EP, Absorbed, and it’s for the launch of this new offering that we find ourselves amongst the pews in the beatified surrounds of Norfolk Street’s Upper Chapel.

I say we, as tonight for the first time I’m joined at an evening gig by my daughters (aged 8 and 6). Already massive BB (and Gina) fans, I’m often treated to renditions of Wreck or Buddleia as they belt them out from their bedroom; they are super psyched to see it live.

More from them later though. First, it’s worth mentioning tonight’s support. Sadly, we didn’t arrive in time to see Amy May Ellis (parents will relate), but we were lucky enough to catch the super-talented Sheffield Music School and Tracks graduate, Harris.

Asked to perform by Before Breakfast after they were introduced to the 16-year-old Sheffielder’s prodigious talent while tutoring him at the Sheffield Music School, Harris positively revelled in the opportunity, lifting the roof (spire?) off the Chapel. His short, and often vulnerable solo set was a joy. One to keep an eye on, for sure.

Following the wide-eyed innocence of Harris’ performance, hush fills the chapel as we await the entrance of Before Breakfast. Keeping it local, they take to the stage wearing coordinated smock dresses, created especially for the band by Sheffieldbased designer Nyoo.

Live BB member and singer-songwriter in her own right, Molly Clark (keyboards), makes her way up to the raised pulpit, while Emily Stancer (guitar), fellow live member and talented designer (she made the duck badges on sale at the merch stand), joins BB founders Gina Walters (lead vocals) and Lucy Revis (cello) on the stage below.

We all wait. The tension builds… nothing happens. A few more anxious stabs at the synth… “Well, that was going to be so cool!” says Gina, feigning exasperation. At Emily’s encouragement, they make their way off the stage to ‘have another go.’

Synth issues resolved, back out they come to a rapturously supportive welcome, and at the second attempt they burst into a beautiful rendition of Chosen, taken from the new EP. The vulnerable lyrics and glorious harmonies were worth the wait.

Following the show we head back out into the rain and all that’s left is to give the final word to my, by this point, pretty tired eight-year-old: “It was amazing, dad!”, and I think that about sums it up.