A uniformed police presence and dozens of non-uniform high-speed joggers on Mitcham’s Corner added a frisson for those of us who don’t head to the big city very often and our getting to The Portland Arms for a triple-fronted folk-rock gig. The Venue at the Portland first hosted Rugby’s own Speak, Brother who had some melancholic tunes, a lot of chat from the singer, and a Mumford-like sound but without the banjo, so a Mumford-like sound. Gareth and Annie were next up and offered their own blend of melancholy and acoustic, with piano, beautiful violin and subtle accordian. Their final tune stole the show for me with its solo intro from Annie on piano and exquisite vocal that really shone through the small, but perfectly formed crowd.
Headliners The Grenaways from Cornwall, but with a becapped Scottish singer/leader) invited Gareth and Annie to join the six of them on stage to add bass guitar and second violin to their double acoustic guitar, occasional Telecaster electric, piano, trumpet, accordian, violin and vocal harmonic lineup. With the demise of both REM and Bellowhead, there is a wide open niche for a powerful, modern folk rock sound with strong musical direction but none of the folk whimsy and all of the ethos of playing music for pure pleasure. There was a song sung in Cornish and one of losing man’s best friend, almost brought a lump to the throat and a tear to the eye. I say almost despite the consumption of several well-pulled pints of real ale from the bar.
Next gig at The Portland for us will be the inimitable Fred’s House closer to Christmas.