Wytch/ Daytura

Published March 6, 2026 · Updated March 13, 2026

Canvas, Bournemouth – 6th March 2026

After a couple of false starts, Wytch return for only their third live appearance, celebrating the release of their debut album. The evening feels more like an event than a routine gig. Known for their theatrical flair; the band have enhanced the atmosphere with intimate lighting, a tarot card reader and a couple of special guests.

Before the headliners arrive, local band Daytura take on the task of warming up the crowd. The group have recently released their impressive four-track debut EP Echoes and feature Sam Britton on lead vocals, Lloyd Whitbread on drums, David Alverez on bass and newest recruit Shaun Andrews on guitar.

Opening with the original track Break On, the band quickly set about winning over the audience. They follow it with a punchy version of Communication Breakdown by Led Zeppelin, which helps lift the energy in the room.

Britton proves an engaging frontman, pairing confident vocals with a lively stage presence. Andrews complements this with atmospheric guitar textures shaped by an extensive array of effects pedals, while Whitbread and Alverez provide a tight and reliable rhythmic foundation.

Daytura 1–2

Daytura’s sound sits firmly within Rock but draws from a range of influences, past and present, giving their set a varied edge. One of the standout moments comes with Dreamer”, a highlight from Echoes that showcases some particularly evocative guitar work. A mix of Cliff Richard’s Devil Woman and the Rolling Stones Gimme Shelter. An unreleased track titled “Disco” shifts the mood, locking the room into a groove before a crowd-pleasing cover of AC/DC’s Highway to Hell has the audience singing along.

For their closing moment, the band take a risk by debuting a brand new song that has only been rehearsed a handful of times. Rough around the edges but full of promise, it expands into a spirited jam that the band stretch out confidently, earning warm applause as they leave the stage.

As Wytch take to the stage, the now considerably larger crowd at Canvas greets them with an enthusiastic roar. The band — Jordan Watts (vocals, keys, guitars), Chris Davies (vocals, keys, guitars), Ray Holford (bass) and Simon Edwards (drums) — are joined tonight by special guest keyboardist Chris Payn, Jordan’s stepbrother and a well-known local musician.

The evening’s concept is simple: perform the album in full. The set therefore opens with album opener “I Won’t Forget”, immediately establishing the band’s infectious live energy. Wytch clearly thrive on performing, and that passion radiates from the stage from the very first note.

Frontman Jordan Watts possesses a strikingly distinctive voice. For those unfamiliar with the band, his vocal range often draws surprised reactions, effortlessly shifting from delicate passages to powerful crescendos. It’s one of the defining elements of Wytch’s sound. Equally central is the song writing partnership between Watts and Chris Davies; their collaborative chemistry is evident throughout the set, the kind of creative connection that only comes from two musicians who instinctively understand each other’s ideas.

Wytch 1–2–3–4–5

The venue’s acoustics work beautifully in the band’s favour, allowing the layered arrangements of the album to translate impressively well to a live setting. Track five, “The Archer” receives an added flourish with Bryony joining the band on violin. Elsewhere, highlights include “Believe In Magic”; driven by rich three-part vocal harmonies, the atmospheric “Suncatcher” and the delicately emotional “Sky Blue Eyes” – a love song that provides one of the evening’s most affecting moments.

The audience is also treated to a glimpse of the future with a brand new track, “Black Hearted Woman”. The song is set to feature on an upcoming four-track EP scheduled to be recorded later this year with engineer Phil Brown, whose credits include work with icons such as Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, David Bowie, Bob Marley and The Rolling Stones. The band’s excitement about the project is palpable.

After completing the album set, the crowd still wants more. When a fan jokingly shouts for Free Bird; the band take up the challenge, launching into a playful, slightly chaotic rendition of Free Bird by Lynyrd Skynyrd with Payn and Watts guiding the rest of the band through the impromptu performance.

It’s an unpolished but joyful finale that perfectly captures the spirit of the evening — an engaging live performance from a band clearly relishing every moment on stage.

Set Lists
Wytch
I Won’t Forget
Drive
Believe In Magic
Just Hold Me
The Archer
Suncatcher
Fools
Silent Ruin
Sky Blue Eyes
Black Hearted Woman (Brand New Track)
It’s Not Love
Freebird (Lynyrd Skynyrd)

Daytura
Break on
Communication Breakdown (Led Zeppelin)
The River
June
Veil
Dove
Dreamer
Disco
Highway to Hell (AC/DC)
Untitled (New song yet to Be named)

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