Music: Apples & Eve

The edgy four-piece celebrate their eclectic new EP

With just a guitar named Merlin, Apples & Eve began in the shape of Eva Howells, the first fruits of which have now developed into a full four-piece band incorporating double bass, accordion, violin and drums. Their first official release is due this month in the shape of the Dionysus EP, produced by Oyster Band and Levellers producer Al Scott, and there’ll be a special launch here in Brighton as well as London. “It started two years ago, when Eva was doing it herself, and then I joined on drums and Graeme (Ross) followed on double bass,” says Fran.

But it was only last spring that the band nearly went on hiatus, as the thought of further education loomed for Eva. “I was thinking of going to university, but decided against it in the end… there will always be another chance, although last year was the last time before they hiked up the fees,” says Eva.

“We love doing this, we put so much into it, people don’t realise how much time is put into this!” Musically, they incorporate gypsy with folk, blues, a little bit of reggae, plus the odd moment of vocal harmonising. It’s generally laid back, with an edge that threatens to erupt anytime, but ultimately keeping a lid on the musical tension that the band have developed. Howell’s versatile voice and beguiling stage presence is fast winning fans in numbers, despite the fact they still only gig occasionally as they continue to find a settled band line-up.

“I write the songs,” says Eva. “I play guitar, accordion and piano which is my main instrument, but I don’t use it for the band. My Dad has always done a lot of stuff – he gave me my first guitar on my 16th birthday; before that I kept running upstairs, borrowing his, and then sneaking it back. I think he worked that out so he gave it to me. It’s called Merlin, the other guitar I have is called Phoenix.”
The title track of the EP is a play on the Greek God. “He was all about ecstasy, womanising… it’s about how some men should keep their hands to themselves! Sadly, all the songs on the EP are about men,” smiles Eva.

Support for their Brighton gig is courtesy of Luke Hyttner & The Colour Club. The EP is available via their website and then digitally on 16 September.
Komedia, Wednesday 5 September, 8pm, £6