Pompey’s newest music venue, Kola, continued its impressive run of live shows since its opening a few weeks back, playing host to Welsh psych-funk collective CVC (Church Village Collective). As a warm up to the band’s appearance the next night at Wanderlust Festival, CVC deliver an evening that felt both intimate and joyously unrestrained. 

Right from the start the evening is imbued with a notably relaxed, almost familial atmosphere.  It’s the kind of gig where an “Auntie Jean” is not only present but also, as rumour has it, ready to “fight you on gravel” – a charmingly fierce endorsement of his relative from guitarist David Bassey that sets a uniquely welcoming, if slightly mischievous, tone for the evening.

Soundwise, there’s no getting around the fact that the band are a proper mix of ‘wear them on their sleeves’ influences. Before the band even grace the stage, I am convinced they’re playing a bespoke playlist over the venue’s PA system when we hear the unmistakable sound of Hall & Oates’, ‘I Can’t Go For That’ whilst the roadies take to the stage. This isn’t just background noise; it feels like a deliberate nod from CVC themselves, a foreshadowing of the 80s funk-pop sensibilities that would soon meander winningly through their own set. Indeed, a track like ‘Sophie’ emerges later, all layered keys and sweet, soaring harmonies that wouldn’t have felt out of place on a classic Hall & Oates record.

So then, ‘funk-pop’, a genre that on paper might bring about cringe worthy memories of school battle of the bands but maybe it is in fact the best descriptor when it comes to this band. Their set is infused with an infectious energy – both guitarists bouncing around the stage looking like they’re having the time of their lives whilst lead singer, Francesco Orsi exudes a louche, captivating charm throughout. My favourite member though? Bassist Ben Thorne, a picture of cool nonchalance, often leaning back against his amp, yet that bass playing is undeniably the engine powering the entire set forward, ‘Music Stuff‘ with its wandering bassline a set highlight, Thorne casually not even breaking a sweat.

One album down with a follow up in the works, familiar tunes are given fresh perspectives. ‘Docking the Pay’, once a surefire set-closing, fist-pumping staple, arrives mid-show. In this iteration, it’s imbued with a slowed-down tempo that, while perfectly in keeping with the evening’s relaxed atmosphere, perhaps leaves a few in the crowd momentarily missing its original, more raucous refrain. That being said,energy abounds with a fantastic version of ‘Winston‘ – with guitarist Elliot Bradfield a bundle of seemingly boundless energy barely contained within an oversized suit. The set also offers a glimpse into the band’s latest offerings, with the introduction of their new single, ‘Bonnie & Clyde’ which takes their sound into a more disco-infused electro direction.  

Despite the effortless cool and the often-sprawling instrumentation, there’s a genuine charm to CVC. They are a collective in the truest sense. Vocal duties are dynamically split with Orsi sometimes casually walking around the stage, a little dance here and there whilst others take their moment in the spotlight. On paper, these individual elements – the laid-back bassist, the flamboyant frontman, the rich interweaving of funk and pop – might teeter on the edge of a “MOR funk mess.” Yet, as a collective, CVC are nothing short of party central. They possess that rare alchemy that turns disparate components into a cohesive, exhilarating whole. If you get the chance to join the CVC family gathering, don’t hesitate – just be ready for a good time (and maybe a friendly tussle on the gravel).

Website: cvcband.com
Facebook: facebook.com/CVCband
Instagram: instagram.com/cvcband

Words and Image: Chris Horton