Kyra Bernice storms the Elephant
25-02-04

The very first show for the album ‘Dead Girl On Earth’ was a complete success at the ‘Elephant,’ St Nicholas Market last night. The people crammed in to see the very first showing of Kyra’s original music and were all captured from the dramatic entrance to the end. After the big build up, Kyra burst on stage wearing a black army cap with the opening track, ‘Silent Speaking’ and as one fan said, “The roars were deafening and the atmosphere ecstatic!”

Kyra performed the 12 tracks on the album and a few well-selected covers including, ‘Sweet Child Of Mine’ - Guns N’ Roses – which, as another spectator described, “had the audience paralyzed!” ‘Tainted Love’ and the acoustically played ‘Coma White’- Marilyn Manson; ‘Wanted Dead Or Alive’- Bon Jovi and the original ‘I Love Rock N’ Roll.’

The overall feedback regarding the album material was kindly commented by a few members of the audience when asked, as being “smooth; catchy; uniquely original; a mixture of alternative rock with unexpected emotional ballads thrown in and very well played.” Live music lover, Julian Sawyer from Eastville, Bristol said, “Knowing Kyra Bernice to be the best singer I’ve ever heard, I bought the album immediately and haven’t been able to stop playing it since but to see it live for the first time was amazing and even more enjoyable. She certainly knows how to play right into the audiences’ hands. She is very professional and I am now even more convinced that she is a natural talent. I will definitely be one of the first to buy a ticket for the next show – this is certainly not like anything I’ve ever seen before, it’s mind-boggling as to why she hasn’t been snapped up yet and I’ve heard lot’s of people saying the same thing tonight.”

K.B News Team

Showcase gig for Kyra Bernice

Kyra Bernice has been singing, writing and performing for 15 years and has built up a large following in and around Bristol. Her first album, Dead Girl On Earth, has been very much a solo effort.

Kyra has written, produced and designed the 12-track album herself and will be promoting it with a special gig in the city next week. Kyra is the antithesis of the Pop Idol style singers dominating the airwaves. She is a talented singer with a large collection of her own material.

Kyra wants to remind people that there is more to raw talent than simply a 30 second performance on shows like Pop Idol. She says: "I want people to see all the work and dedication I have put into music over the years and to be finally recognised as an artist in my own right."

Kyra showcases her own material - as well as a few well-know covers - at an exclusive performance at The Elephant pub is St. Nicholas Market on Tuesday (February 24). The show starts at 8.30pm and admission is free. For more information about Kyra, check the website www.kyra-bernice.co.uk

(This is Bristol) - by Mark Taylor

Kyra and I need to talk. I’m this close to referring to Kyra Bernice as “the Voice.” There are thousands of people on this Earth who can sing. There are only a few who sing with a gift in their voice. Kyra Bernice could swat away some of her more famous contemporaries as if they were flies. “Early Song,” the first track on this album, is fantastic. Expertly written verses are complimented with an earth-shattering chorus which still manages to be beautiful. The presentation value of the new album is immense and I was instantly intrigued by the demo because of its cover. Kyra Bernice is what music is all about and boy can she sing.

Music speaks through Kyra Bernice and Kyra adds her own unique talent to complete the mix. You find yourself wanting to play individual tracks from the album over and over again and it is ridiculously easy to tap into the mood and meaning of Kyra’s music. But be careful. A cryptic wave is heading the listener’s wave and, just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water, a master lyricist is restored to her throne. There really is something special about this album. Kyra’s range is never plodding and she can lull her listener into a false state of security by allowing a pulsing track to follow a ballad. This album is a journey and you simply won’t want the drive to end.

“Blame the flame” is an awesome track and one finds a sorry sense of disappointment come over them when they realise there really are only twelve tracks on this album. One leave this album hungry to get hold more of more recordings of this beautiful and stunning voice. I know all the tricks of the trade that the record industry can throw at the listener. And I remain in awe of Kyra Bernice. You will too.

Review by Marty Drury, National Press.