Che Aimee Dorval – Live – Nice n Sleazy

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Review By Darren McIntyre

Che Aimee Dorval is a singer/songwriter/musician from Vancouver, Canada whose story begins when she performed her first gig in a bistro aged just 16. After completing her education she would travel through Europe where she performed as a street musician, 2007 she won British Columbia Star Search which allowed her to release her debut album Underachiever in 2009 and sandwiched between her next release came a collaboration with metal rocker Devin Townsend on their side project Casualties Of Cool which was released in 2014, a follow-up album is in the works a promise from Che herself as heard on our video(Night of the show). As well as her collaboration album Che also released her first EP Volume 1 in 2014, Che continues to release new material and we next get a follow-up album Between The Walls & The Window in 2017 and 2nd EP Songs For Quarantine Lovers which came our way in 2020. Fast forward to 2023 and Che drops her colossal new album The Crowned which has drawn great reviews from industry folk far and wide, tonight Che brings her The Crowned UK & European tour to a close with her last gig in my hometown Glasgow.

In the heart of Glasgow’s vibrant music scene, Nice ‘n’ Sleazy played host to an evening of sonic exploration courtesy of the incomparable Che Aimee Dorval. The venue’s dimly lit and intimate ambience set the stage for a performance that transcended genres and left an indelible mark on the audience.

Dorval, known for her versatility and ethereal vocals, took the stage with an unassuming presence that belied the powerhouse of talent within. The setlist was a captivating journey through a sonic landscape that seamlessly blended elements of folk, rock, and alternative genres. Each song was a brushstroke on a canvas, creating a sonic tapestry that captivated the audience from the first note.

The opening track of this enchanting journey came in the form of the atmospheric “Try” that just transported us through a colossal guitar-laden vibe that came armed with sampler grooves that just delivered a mesmerising vocal triumph that was enchanting to watch as she delivered a masterclass in vocals that was just incredible, we applauded loudly and whistled to let her know we wanted more and more we got.

From the opening chords, it was evident that Dorval’s voice was the centrepiece of the evening. Her hauntingly beautiful vocals, coupled with introspective and evocative lyrics, created a mesmerizing atmosphere that hung in the air like a dream. The audience was drawn into a world where boundaries between genres dissolved, and the only constant was the emotional depth conveyed through Dorval’s music.

The night was a real mix of her latest offering and a look into her back catalogue with a couple of Devin Townsend tracks reworked and given a make which totally blew us away, we were presented with the epic “Buried” that lets Che’s vibrant and powering tones reach every corner of this place as we just stand and soak up every ounce of her storytelling as it transports us to a new place and really tells us what Che Aimee Dorval is all about.

We continued the journey with the fantastic “Falling Under” which was just incredible as Che just took us with her as this incredible track just cemented her in a class of her own, Samuel joined in with well-worked guitar licks that complimented the powering blues tones that were oozing from the stage tonight we were feeling the love coming as Che rolls into “Almost Again” and the mesmerising “Art Of Dying” that has the audience in the palm of her hands as we are just transported to another place.

We are getting a first-class performance from this incredible artist as she lays bare her incredible vocals that are working in perfect harmony with the twin guitar licks from Samuel as he accompanies Che through this fantastic setlist that is really getting this crowd all hot and bothered, we are treated to classic tracks from her album with Devin and a collection of her awesome new tracks that really got the crowd all revved up, we got “Sleeping Stoned”, “Loveless” & “Sorta Loves Me”.

As the evening wore on and we were really feeling the love from this incredible artist we got the inspiring “Blood Red Son” that was steering us to the colossal night-ending track.

The intimate setting of Nice ‘n’ Sleazy provided the perfect backdrop for the nuances of Dorval’s performance to shine. The sound quality was impeccable, allowing the delicate intricacies of each song to be fully appreciated. The venue’s close quarters fostered a sense of connection between the artist and the audience, making every chord and lyric resonate on a personal level.

Dorval’s interaction with the crowd was as genuine as her music. Between songs, she shared anecdotes and insights into the inspiration behind her compositions, inviting the audience to join her on a journey of self-discovery through music. This personal touch created a unique bond, transforming the performance into a shared experience between artist and listener.

Che’s final track was the incredible album opener “The Crowned which was just incredible as she really dug deep and gave us a real emotional performance that was on another level for sure, the interaction between herself & Samuel was magical as the musicality flowed and the chat was just fantastic

In the final moments of the performance, as the last echoes of Dorval’s vocals faded into the night, there was a collective sense that something special had transpired at Nice ‘n’ Sleazy. Che Aimee Dorval had not only delivered a musical performance but had invited the audience to embark on a transformative journey through the power of her art.

In conclusion, Che Aimee Dorval’s performance at Nice ‘n’ Sleazy was a testament to the transformative nature of live music. Her ability to seamlessly blend genres, coupled with the raw emotion conveyed through her vocals, created an unforgettable evening that transcended the boundaries of traditional musical labels. Dorval’s artistry left an indelible imprint, proving once again that the magic of music lies in its ability to connect, inspire, and transport us to places beyond the confines of everyday life.

Che Aimee Dorval –

Che Aimee Dorval – Vocals / Guitar

Samuel Chadwick – Guitar / Keys / Backing Vocals

Setlist –

Try

Buried

Falling Under

Almost Again

Art Of Dying

Sleeping Stoned

Bones

Flight