PJ Harvey once sang "I can't believe that life's so complex". In 2017 these wise words rang true. Initially reflecting a difficult time, but eventually a happier one when the rest of that song's lyrics would ring warmly in our ears.
For the band 2016 was a pretty good year. We launched our current and hopefully final line up and followed it up with seven gigs. Not bad when you consider we all work full time, have a Walton's amount of children between us with all the attendant childcare issues, took time out to try and stop a Tory government and seemingly attract every ailment imaginable. So much so that The Sweet Ordeal is soon to be classified as a disease. Symptoms: loss of voice, loss of hearing, loss of any ability to rehearse on a Monday night on a regular basis.
Not Ill Behaviour. Symptom free Sweeties. September 2017. Photo: Nick McMaster
In 2017 gigs in March, April and November saw us continue to try and complete the set of the best folks nights in the city. We finally gained a slot at the Folk Off Sessions, had another at Brighton Folk, and pitched up at the critically acclaimed Folkroom, who had added to their London portfolio by starting a night down on the coast. With Brighton Showcase and Lonely Disco already under our belts, I think there is only Folklore left. I'll tell you now, no one will escape our folky clutches.
Folkroom was the one that stood out, mainly because of the 7 month gap between playing and the fact that the compere forgot our name. Whilst a little rusty in places, afterwards, we did get some good feedback, alongside a lecture in vocal technique from a slightly tipsy, enthusiastic audience member. So detailed was it I was waiting to be told the hourly rate and be presented with an invoice.
November strain. The Ordeal live at Folkroom. November 2017. Photo: Antony Palmer
There were though two other live performances that don't quite count, but do mean a lot and saved the year in many ways.
The first was in July, when we were lucky enough to take part in our first ever radio experience, courtesy of Hailsham FM's The Courthouse Irregular, presented by the lovely Neil Povey. Neil coped admirably with our set up; with his set up usually being for simple acoustic acts. We decided to drag along the whole shebang, thus forcing Neil to deal with more confusing wires than a bomb disposal expert.
It was a really enjoyable evening and at times the top bants resembled a zoo format. Funnily enough, with so much equipment in the way making it difficult to reach the toilet, it could have been even more like a zoo, but for another reason entirely. But thanks Neil, we hope we'll get another chance soon!
A squash and a squeeze. A fit for radio. July 2017. Photo: Neil Povey
The second sneaky performance was rather self serving, in that we headlined the best gig of the year: my wedding reception. Yes, reader, I married her. And our first dance was to the aforementioned Polly Jean.
It was always going to happen, especially as John was already accounted for. After all, even John (Lennon) had to marry Yoko (Ono). Ah, my beautiful Hannah. Annoyingly described by Union Music's Jamie Freeman as the focal point of the band (What?! But I'm the band's show off!), Hannah is the focal point of my life, especially in a blog that's not about my beloved Queens Park Rangers.
Seriously though, the wedding was a dream come true. I mean we got The Self Help Group, The Galleons and Jamie Freeman to play for free at the reception. You can see where this is going can't you? I mean I am not going to get soppy. She's only the bass player!
Bearing in mind that all of the previous women who had joined the band had left quicker than a change of chord, the only way we could ensure one staying was to Stockholm her and then tie the knot. Thank you Hannah for allowing it to happen and for bringing your bass. And cello, keyboard, harmony, fashion skills and sex appeal to our little folk project.
Far from the wedding crowd. John drops in on the nuptials. October 2017. Photo: Paul Lovichi
This little folk project was actually twice enhanced by the reception. Eschewing the usual John Lewis nightmare of crockery and toasters, we asked for a donation to a planned album and managed to raise over £500 for the cause, and so our love and thanks go to all those who gave.
So we hope 2018 will carry those good vibes on, with an album, more than a handful of gigs and some other opportunities to expand our experiences. As we return to PJ and the her quoted song This Is Love, "Does it have to be a life full of dread"? No, as even with the Ordeal, life is Sweet.
