‘Heaven knows I’m fearful of my mind,’ sings James Page on ‘Lonesome’, a string-swept highlight from his second album as Sivu.

Sweet Sweet Silent, released in 2017, is a record all about addressing one’s insecurities head on. Whether it’s self-doubt, a lack of confidence or inner gremlins that kick you when you’re down, acknowledging unease is the first step towards conquering it. With that, this is a record of extraordinary beauty, sporting an honesty that can only emerge from staring deep into the darkness and coming out the other side.

It was inspired by James’ diagnosis with Meniere’s syndrome, a condition that saw his hearing increasingly deteriorate in the past two years.

Produced by Charlie Andrew (the Brit-Award-winner behind the likes of Alt-J and Marika Hackman) and written and recorded over two years between Cambridge, Brixton and very northern Scotland, Sweet Sweet Silent is loud and clear on the considerable talents of Sivu.

For this special performance ahead of the launch of his new EP The Unfruitful Love (to be released on 16 February), Sivu will be accompanied by an incredible string quartet playing arrangements of the songs specially put together for this show. The Mangan Quartet was founded by esteemed arranger Kirsty Mangan who, as well as composing the string parts on the Sivu records, has worked with the likes of Alt-J, London Grammar, Ellie Goulding and many more.

Praise for Sweet Sweet Silent:

‘A brave and beautiful album… music that might be by Thom Yorke, if the latter were friendlier’ Sunday Times
‘Returning with unflinching honesty and beauty… remarkable’ Dork Magazine
‘An eerie, subtle thing… beguiling’ Observer
‘A meditative and beautifully introverted return’ Clash
‘A blooming opus that grows into something majestic’ Line of Best Fit
‘Sivu is proof that being kind to yourself, nourishing your visions and head space gently can give rise to the most authentic and pure realm of work and essence we are capable of’ 405

Support comes from 21-year-old Imogen, an artist for whom songwriting has become a base necessity. Imogen moves from flat-out flawless vocals through to darker, far more delicate sounds; as heard on her debut demos premiered by The Line of Best Fit – described as ‘…the most affecting and nuanced piano and vocal cuts we’ve heard so far…’  With plays from BBC Introducing, Amazing Radio and more, Imogen has spent the last couple of months writing and recording her debut EP at RAK Studios, due this spring. With her debut single set for release in the coming weeks, this event is a chance to see her perform brand-new tracks for the first time.

Malena Zavala is an Argentinian born artist, producer and film maker. Influenced by guitar players such as Blake Mills and Venezuelan American singer-songwriter / visual artist Devendra Banhart as well as the psychedelic and dreamy sounds of Tame Impala, Beach House, Malena explores a free thinking and forgiving approach to her work. Should I Try and its accompanying visuals are self-produced.