A fine evening of free rock at the Purple Turtle!

Reading Indie Life are starting to get twitchy about all these amazing free gigs at the Purple Turtle. We get to see really good bands… and we don’t have to pay anything? There must be a catch, perhaps we have inadvertently sold our souls to the bar once we die? Where else in life does this happen? Regardless, we were back again to catch the brilliant Welsh language rock-duo Alffa and check out the support as well.

Alphaline

Kicking off the bill tonight were the local band representing Berkshire. They released an album, ‘Electromagnetic,’ in the middle of last year. They are funk-groove based, leaning into hints of electronica, trip-hop and alternative rock. It is a pleasant start to the evening.

Pluto The Rich

Wow, I missed the start of these guys as I was still interviewing Alffa, but boy do they rock. Definitely a band to keep an eye on. They know how to unleash on a track and bring large amounts of energy. They also fed off a reasonably lively crowd who got a bit of a mini-mosh going. The three tracks currently on streaming services don’t quite do their live sound justice. The tracks sound decent, just not as alive as when they were performed in the flesh.

Alffa

You have to have some guts to perform as a two-piece rock band as there is absolutely nowhere to hide. You need discipline to carry each track off but also the ability to be centre stage at any point as either drummer or guitarist. Two-piece guitarists also need to be gifted enough to sound like two guitar players at the same time when needed, otherwise sets will rapidly get dull. Dion on guitar and vocals and Sion on drums absolutely have all the tools, professionalism and creativity to pull this off. Reading Indie Life have seen some great rock duos over the years – The Black Keys downstairs at The Oxford Zodiac and The White Stripes at Alexandra Palace to name but a couple. The group that most evoke memories from tonight’s performance is the now-defunct Oxford duo Winnebago Deal who knew how to rock extremely hard. Alffa also bring some of the modernity of Royal Blood alongside classic rock and blues understanding. The point I meanderingly make is that this duo absolutely belongs in such esteemed company. They are electric this evening and only two albums in, already have a huge number of bangers in the locker.

Starting off tonight with ‘Darnau Man’ they quickly showcase the almost telepathic understanding between them. They have been playing together as a duo since they were fifteen, over seven years ago and each utterly understands the tunes and how they fit into them. After several minutes of build up the track explodes into life, and we know we are in for a great ride tonight. ‘Tough Love’ follows, English following on from the Welsh of the previous track. This is one of theirs that could slot most comfortably into a Royal Blood set.

Dipping back into their first album ‘Full Moon Vulture’ has the swagger of Josh Homme and peak Queens of the Stone Age, the vibe continues with ‘Black Angel.’ Track after track follows, each displaying plenty of craft and an innate understanding of rock music.

By the time 14th track ‘Closer To Me’ brings things to a spectacular finish we have been treated to a tour-de-force of musicianship. Whilst it feels like they have been around for a while Alffa are clearly just getting going, now comfortable in their own skin and prepared for what lies ahead. Whilst the Welsh language singing might switch off a few potential fans their brilliant rock tunes are surely destined to help them connect with a larger audience and grace much bigger stages than the one they command tonight. This was a huge amount of fun. When they tour again get tickets, even if it means a four-hour drive to Cardiff, you won’t regret it.

Exclusive Interview with the Rising Welsh Rock Duo Alffa