When writing a review,it’s rare you reference the venue. But if you want to perform at an outdoor venue in a beautiful historical setting. St Mary’s Abbey’s in York is an excellent choice.
More commonly know as York Museum Gardens .
These ruins, are all that remain of one of England’s wealthiest and most powerful Benedictine monasteries, built in 1088 just after William the Conqueror’s invasion in 1066.
Destroyed during the reformation of 1534, on the orders of Henry VIII, after the Kings break from the The Pope ,and the Catholic Church in order to Mary one of his six wives.
I can’t help but wonder what the Benedictine monks , or Abbot would think of a band performing on their grounds in such a way? I imagine they might possibly give a quizzical look above their scriptures, under the light of a candle, before returning to their work.
However, I doubt very much, they would approve. I feel they would be infuriated by the sight of women, and two men performing powerfully and confidently on their grounds.
When built, women’s roles in society, were not of the highest priority.
This, over 400 years before the birth of one of history’s most notorious misogynists, Henry VIII, b1491. Rebecca Lucy Taylor, born in Rotherham, South Yorkshire in 1986, is a musical powerhouse.
I see her as a Bruce Dickinson of music, not because she’s a pilot or the leader of a renowned heavy metal band, but because of – like Dickinson- she has incredible talented. She acts, writes lyrics, sings, plays several instruments, choreographs, and is a West End star. To top it off, she’s also a Sunday Times best-selling author, “Too Much Talent.”
My first time seeing Self-Esteem perform was at Tramlines 2022.
I wasn’t sure what to expect, “ I was told “they’re a good photo op” but I was pleasantly surprised, especially by their Sheffield Wednesday shirts, a nod to Rebecca’s grandfather, who played for the Sheffield side back in the 1920s.
My second time seeing them perform was at Rock & Roll Circus Sheffield, and I was still unsure what to expect. Self-Esteem sing powerfully about relationships gone wrong ,and how women are treated in society.
I now realise Self Esteem’s live performances should come with a disclaimer for people of a sensitive nature. Unlike a CD, or download the visuals are powerful, and need to be seen.
The opening song, was -to me- a cross between Hand Maids Tale ,and World War Z? With backing singers ,and dancers twitching , and convulsing in weird ,and wonderful ways, with harsh stares into the crowd,totally unique ,and brilliant.
I can’t help but wonder what her writing would be, if someone hadn’t hurt her, or someone close to her? Her hurt perversely, becomes our win, producing beautiful powerful music.
Rather than soft sentimental ballads, they are an unapologetic, strong even harsh. A rebuttal of negative experiences, music which takes you on a journey.
The passion on stage is equally mirrored by people in the audience who sing, dance, and cry through the songs.
Self Esteem protest they won’t be cowed hostile behaviour, from anyone one such example : Scaring Men with Deranged Behaviour ,from the album Prioritise Pleasure.
Barking like dogs when men show un wanted attention The Spice Girls may have coined the phrase “Girl Power” but self-esteem definitely kicked the can way up the road!
WORDS AND PHOTOS BY ERROL EDWARDS
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