CONCERT REVIEW: Strawberry Guy and Fonteyn at Kilby Court :)

Photos by Monet Moss

When I went to see Strawberry Guy at his sold out Kilby Court show, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I certainly wasn’t expecting him to come onstage, immediately talk about how some coffee he drank earlier messed up his stomach, and then leave midway through his set to use the restroom. But I also wasn’t expecting to be nearly moved to tears. 

See, Alexander Stephens, aka Strawberry Guy, has been on quite a journey across his seven years actively making music. His early hits, “Ms. Magic” and “F Song,” are two pieces of relaxed indie rock. Guitars soaked in reverb, modest vocal performances, slow tempos; the works. But over time, the Liverpool musician has shifted his focus towards writing songs with orchestral accompaniment, trading in the guitar pedals for piano chords. He’s even rerecorded versions of those early hits with strings- and these were exactly the versions he played on October 21st. 

Stephens acted as bandleader for a string quartet with his keyboard. It was a refined sound that felt oddly fitting for the halls of Kilby Court, whose tight walls helped the strings reverberate outward with ease. Hearing “When Morning Comes” in the venue really helped the message of the song shine through. It’s a tender ode about giving yourself space to breathe when times get tough, and it really moved me.

I was moved yet again by his rendition of “What Once Was.” This song was originally written by the indie rock group Her’s, who were actually good friends of Stephens and gave him the nickname Strawberry Guy. Though the two bandmates tragically passed away in a car crash in 2019, he keeps their music alive on tour, which is truly beautiful. It's safe to say this was the most emotional moment of the night.

This show had support from Fonteyn, another UK musician. She played her songs on the same piano Strawberry Guy used, but they were a lot more buoyant and energetic. Her vocals were expressive and passionate, making for a truly wonderful opening set. I was able to speak with her afterwards and ask her about touring and her creative process. I didn’t approach her as a college radio employee looking for an interview, just as a fan. We had a lovely conversation, and I probably wouldn’t have been able to talk to her in such a manner at any other venue other than Kilby.

Strawberry Guy closed out his set with his new string version of “Ms. Magic.” From the minute that little whistle melody kicked in (and yes, it was really Stephens whistling), the audience was already put in a trance. We were already packed like sardines in there, but everyone somehow shifted closer together for this one. The song has such a dreamlike melody, so having it performed by a string quartet is such an obvious slam dunk. This is truly the song's final form, and it was transcendent to witness. And just like that, the show was over. A beautiful night and a beautiful show.