Shelleyan Orphan - Slaughtered Lamb, London, 16/4/2009
by Anthony Strutt
published: 18 / 4 / 2009

intro
At a sparsely attended gig at the Slaughtered Lamb in London, Anthony Strutt watches reformed 80s duo Shelleyan Orphan play a lushly beautiful and intimate set
The Slaughtered Lamb is a venue, which to be honest, I had never heard of until about a week before this gig. Beth Orton did a secret show there to plug the remaster of ‘Trailer Park’, but I couldn't make it. It is a venue that hosts a lot of secret warm ups and which is in a basement of a trendy pub that is full of luxury sofas. Despite this Shelleyan Orphan play to a mere 23 punters including support bands and girlfriends and bar staff, which is frankly shocking. Tonight the gig is unplugged and acoustic and Shelleyan perform as a two piece. The music is soft and lush and very beautiful. Caroline Crawley and Jem Tayle play to the mere few with such a warm intense feeling that, despite the small audience, their lovely songs are instantly very cheering for everyone there. They play just guitar, a squeeze box machine and something that is between both as well as both sing, and they even throw in a cover of T Rex's ‘Life's a Gas’. This was a totally blissful experience for everyone who made the effort and was well worth the trip.
Picture Gallery:-


interviews |
Interview (2009) |
![]() |
Classically-influenced group Shelleyan Orphan caused surprising controversy in the 1980s. John Clarkson talks to Caroline Crawley and Jem Tayle from the group about those years, their recent reformation and much acclaimed new album, 'We Have Everything We Need' |
reviews |
We Have Everything We Need (2008) |
![]() |
Experimental, eclectic alternative pop on fine fourth album from Bournmouth-based duo Shelleyann Orphan, who are back after a sixteen year hiatus |
most viewed articles
current edition
Spear Of Destiny - InterviewRobert Forster - Interview
Fiona Hutchings - Interview
When Rivers Meet - Waterfront, Norwich, 29/5/2025
Carl Ewens - David Bowie 1964 to 1982 On Track: Every Album, Every Song
Brian Wilson - Ten Songs That Made Me Love...
Chris Wade - Interview
Pistol Daisys - Waterfront, Norwich, 29/5/2025
Credits - ARC, Liverpool, 17/5.2025
Nils Petter Molvaer - El Molino, Barcelona, 24/4/2025
previous editions
Heavenly - P.U.N.K. Girl EPBarrie Barlow - Interview
Boomtown Rats - Ten Songs That Made Me Love....
Oasis - Oasis, Earl's Court, London, 1995
Dwina Gibb - Interview
Beautiful South - Ten Songs That Made Me Love...
Sound - Interview with Bi Marshall Part 1
Manic Street Preachers - (Gig of a Lifetime) Millennium Stadium, Cardiff, December 1999
Trudie Myerscough-Harris - Interview
Serge Gainsbourg - Ten Songs That Made Me Love...
most viewed reviews
current edition
Peter Doolan - I Am a Tree Rooted to the Spot and a Snake Moves Around Me,in a CircleGarbage - Let All That We Imagine Be The Light
Vinny Peculiar - Things Too Long Left Unsaid
Little Simz - Lotus
John McKay - Sixes and #Sevens
Suzanne Vega - Flying With Angels
HAIM - I Quit
Vultures - Liz Kershaw Session 16.06.88
Billy Nomates - Metalhorse
Eddie Chacon - Lay Low
Pennyblackmusic Regular Contributors
Adrian Janes
Amanda J. Window
Andrew Twambley
Anthony Dhanendran
Benjamin Howarth
Cila Warncke
Daniel Cressey
Darren Aston
Dastardly
Dave Goodwin
Denzil Watson
Dominic B. Simpson
Eoghan Lyng
Fiona Hutchings
Harry Sherriff
Helen Tipping
Jamie Rowland
John Clarkson
Julie Cruickshank
Kimberly Bright
Lisa Torem
Maarten Schiethart