Latest 7 magazine

Dublin’s Villagers’ soundscapes felt a little limp after seeing Josh T Pearson. ‘Becoming A Jackal’ featured nice harmonies but was a little middle-of-the-road and this was the blueprint for the rest of the set. Their sincerity was not in question but it all felt a little self-indulgent at times. The songs featured some decent hooks and ‘The Bell’ was like a country take on ‘Baby Please Don’t Go’. Things improved at the end with ‘On A Sunlit Stage’ being more upbeat but this Fleet Foxes-sounding song was too little, too late.

Pavilion Theatre, Brighton Dome, 13 May
Rating:
Steve Clements

The beautiful Nordic folk opener had the crowd on backing vocals and was followed by a plucked guitar-backed cover of ‘Solitary Man’. Another song featured harp-like guitar, giving it a mediaeval sound that, when adding her native tongue singing, was a mesmerising experience. A 12-string ukulele was produced for a song written for her sister and had a lovely childlike quality with Ólöf’s upper-register vocals. A slow polka came before the blissfully hypnotic ‘Crazy Car’ turned the show into a campfire sing-along. Bob Dylan’s ‘She Belongs To Me’ completed a stunning, if cruelly-short performance.

Pavilion Theatre, Brighton Dome, 14 May
Rating:
Steve Clements

I’m not sure if Dean’s music was New Age, Ambient or neo-classical but he was a good fit for the start of this folky evening, even if it was a downbeat way to begin a Friday night out. His short set was comprised of long instrumentals played on a Telecaster with echo and reverb effects. The last song was the liveliest with a great middle that morphed into an Indian raga in which he managed to turn his guitar into a sitar before ending with percussive punches to the guitar’s neck, as Josh T Pearson watched approvingly from the bar.

Pavilion Theatre, Brighton Dome, 13 May
Rating:
Steve Clements

Ty Jeffries talent for female impersonation is equally matched by his talent for writing a great song. His references are the great 20th century songwriters, a variety of styles that he handles with skill both musically and lyrically. Hope is a showgirl and, whilst the patter is peppered with bitter humour, the songs are poignant and moving, even when humour is at the fore. In just over an hour we heard the latest news and songs from her careening career – from romantic disaster to Parisian dive. Hope Springs is an act to catch before the Americans ask for her back, which they are sure to do.

Pink Fringe at The Marlborough, 15 May
Rating:
Andrew Kay