Opie Deino

Sandwiched between two EP launch shows, Leeds-based singer-songwriter Sian Fawcett (better known by her moniker Opie Deino) made a trip down to Soho’s The Spice of Life to play some songs off the aforementioned release.

Fawcett was fresh off the back of a big hometown show when she took to the stage in the intimate downstairs London venue. Born and bred in Nottingham, the singer and her band made a return to the live circuit earlier in the week when they stopped off at the popular Bodega Social Club to promote the new EP “St. Jude”. Playing to a London crowd at a pub on the Easter weekend was always going to be a tall order, but Opie Deino got straight down to it and the chatter soon dissipated as new fans were gained.

It was immediately clear from the start of the set that Fawcett particularly excelled as a performer. The support of her band seemed to put her at ease as she played with the dynamics on “Richard Parker”; the added texture of a trombone towards the end was a fitting accompaniment to this beautifully heartbreaking story. A particularly memorable moment was when Ollie Deans (of recent #RCRDCARD discovery Jasper House) stepped up to the mic to provide backing vocals for “Origami”. The song showcased Fawcett’s extraordinary ability to turn her everyday observations and encounters into eloquent poetry as she drew her audience in word by word.

The set was then suddenly cut short, but Opie Deino and her band didn’t let this faze them as they thanked the audience for listening and launched into the latest single “Humbug”. This was by far the strongest song of the night and the band all seemed to fit together perfectly as Fawcett gave a goosebump-raising vocal performance throughout. Noticeably influenced by Fiona Apple, the track is a good starting point for Opie Deino and one that will hopefully allow her to make a name for herself. - RCRD CARD - Matthew Green

'As OPIE DEINO gets ready with her band, the room is lively. People are excited, and are getting their drinks in ready and eager to see her perform. And she doesn’t disappoint. Getting straight to the point, the band begins with Eli, the first track from St. Jude, the new EP which she’s launching. What hits you first about Opie Deino is her gorgeously smooth and beautifully delivered vocals. She not only has a stunning sound, but she packs in so much feeling and emotion that it blows you away. The song begins gently, with the band playing subtly behind her, including some wonderfully imagined backing vocals. '

'It’s a hugely supportive crowd, and it feels like a trusting atmosphere as Siân introduces the next number, Richard Parker, revealing it’s based on some advice her mum gave her; that you may be stuck in the darkness, but eventually the light will come on again. It’s very sweet, and we are taken on a journey through her emotions. In fact, the interesting song structures and attention to detail make her songs all seem like little adventures we are taken on. With the keyboard player adopting a trombone for this number, it adds another dimension to the music, and heightens it somehow. All of the band are working well together, creating a professional and polished performance. After Already Home, another beautifully heartbreaking song, Siân decides to begin stripping back the set. She performs Origami next with just her and her bassist, which brings the attention to her vocals and reveals the song writing talents she possesses.'

'You’ll love her as soon as you hear her, and if you haven’t yet, make sure you put that on your to do list, along with buying the beautiful EP.' - Nottingham Live - Cassia Helme

‘Lifting the name of her second EP from one of Britain’s most underwhelming storms, Opie Deino has released St. Jude, and it’s a heartfelt illustration of Nottingham singer Sian Fawcett’s experiences. Finding comfort in her new backing band, her knack for storytelling, songwriting and earnestness is what gives this EP variety. Ironically, it’s difficult to imagine that this EP could be underwhelming with each of its tracks sharing something more emotionally cathartic than the next.’ - Leftlion Magazine - Stephanie Parkes