They are over here in support of their excellent album ‘Years to Burn’ released earlier this year and we are treated to most of this plus a couple from their first EP and then a few more from their respective back catalogues and selected covers from the likes of The Everly Brothers, Echo and the Bunnymen and a fine version of Lucinda Williams’ ‘I Lost it’.
Sam Beam, aka Iron & Wine possesses one of those delicate voices that just feels like a tin of paint has been tipped over you and you are wrapped in this glorious musical gloss. He’s ably complemented on harmonies by Joey Burns. The rest of the band are super talented musicians, the sound is spot on as you would expect in this venue and there is always a danger that it’s a bit too comfortable.
I am not a fan of seated gigs. Especially when the chairs are this comfortable it’s difficult to generate any sort of atmosphere. A rock show this aint and the occasional whoop is even commented on by the band. I wasn’t expecting it to be a rock show but at times it felt like I was in my living room listening to this great music on a decent pair of headphones, note perfect but just lacking at times with the emotional connection I get from many gigs. They were almost too good, Don’t get me wrong I enjoyed the show and there were some moments of greatness such as oldies ‘Naked as we Came’ and ‘Boy with a Coin’ and it was good to hear some of the shared songs live for the first time.
A fine show but sadly I wasn’t consistently engaged throughout but when they were good they were very good.
Till the next time keep on harmonically rockin y’all.