So the 2023 gig calendar comes to an end for me with this show. Fifty six gigs this year and there’s been some great shows and I am pleased to say that tonight, this one has joined that list.
It’s an end of the year show for these Londoners and in a twist from the norm its part acoustic, part orchestral and part rock show tonight and I thought the format worked really well.
The atmospheric setting of the Union Chapel really suited the show with the acoustics of the lofted ceiling adding to the ethereal feel of the show. There is a compromise though to shows here which is trying to generate the same atmosphere of a standing rock show but given the low key nature of the first three quarters of the show it was the perfect setting.
Another plus point for this type of show is that the quality of the songs and the harmonies really shine through. There is nowhere to hide in an acoustic setting and this band really showed what talented musicians and vocalists they are with much instrument swapping and often four part harmonies.
The set is dominated by last year’s excellent ‘Here is Everything’ but there’s room for some oldies and deep cuts and as its Christmas a lovely version of ‘Carol of the Bells’
After the delicacy of the first hour or so the band revert back to form and it’s a full on rock finale to end proceedings.
A super show to end the year on a real high and looking forward to doing it all again in 2024.
Keep on acoustic, orchestral rockin’ y’all