It’s my first show here since the venue had a new sound system installed. It’s a tough act to follow as the sound was always perfect already in what is my favourite mid-sized venue in London. Never over sold, great sound, good sightlines, best concert hall toilets in London but because of its listed status there is no air con which does make for uncomfortable viewing sometimes and the price of a beer is naughty at £6.45 for a pint of IPA.
Anyway back to the show. We made a special effort to get in early to see the super talented Michaela Anne. Just an artist and an acoustic guitar and a pure perfect voice. With the atmospheric lighting it created a perfect backdrop to her opening set.
Mandolin Orange join a long list of exceptional talent coming out of North Carolina at the moment including Caleb Caudle, Hiss Golden Messenger, Phil Cook and HC McEntire to name a few. Tonight Andrew Marlin, chief songwriter and Mr Mandolin and Emily Frantz are joined by a three piece backing band but they start the set in their usual two piece format.
As mentioned before the sound is immaculate, pin sharp and the unique sound of the mandolin fills the whole room and opener ‘Mother Deer’ from the new album ‘Tides of a Teardrop’ sets the scene for the next ninety minutes. It’s a sad song of course as the album is Martin’s reflection on the loss of his mother and there are many moving moments in what is a mandolin masterclass.
The set is drawn from across their albums and obvious highlights for me include one of my personal favourites ‘Wildfire’ and ‘Hey Stranger’ from the ‘Blindfaller’ album. There are a couple of really nice moments where a song or two is played ‘bluegrass’ style with the band crowded around one microphone and then for set closer totally unplugged with no amplification at all for a hair tingling finale. This is a band at the top of their game and it’s great to see them upgrading the venue to reach a richly deserved wider audience.
Till the next time keep on country rockin y’a