It’s Monday night and the great philosophers of the world are considering matters of deeper meaning whilst those of us blessed with a desire for cirrhosis of the liver find ever more complex excuses to consume alcohol. Tonight’s excuse, albeit complete with artistic merits, came courtesy of Something Someone, Miss Irenie Rose, Jason Riddell, Sophie Rogers and Black and White Boy.
Pouring the first metaphorical pint was Black and White Boy. Being one man and a guitar, his introspection was perhaps no surprise and his understated performance similarly reflected his desire to express inner torment rather than to provide candy for the ears.
Round number two was left to Jason Riddell. His fondness for off key whistling provided an unwittingly appropriate accompaniment to the wandering pitch that stamped his vocal style. He was not, therefore, a voice for everyman but, if your musical tastes drift sympathetically towards universal tolerance then Mr Riddell could well be your carry out of choice.
Sophie Rogers, on the other hand, took her heart to the bar and exchanged it for songs that would, in all likelihood, intoxicate you. Undoubtedly, she had learned the value of making songs that would appeal to the mainstream and, with her talent for making an audience into friends also never less than obvious, Ms Rogers should easily hold your attention all the way to closing time.
Talking of intoxication, Miss Irenie Rose would make anyone with a heart raise a glass or three to her talent. Showing an affinity for both matters acoustic and loop pedal, her voice danced over her songs like she had been blessed with the pagan power to invoke joy through the simple expedient of making music. She was, to put it simply, enchanting.
The last drink of the night came from Something Someone. As those who drink know, sentimentality is something that can often strike a melancholic chord as the evening merges into the night. Duly, Something Someone, three nice people honest and true, demonstrated that the temptations of temperance could compete with mere intoxication and, with the kind of meshed vocals that could easily become their trademark, they held sway over an audience that seemed driven to treat them as if they were family. “Waltz With Me”, their single, was a fine example of their respect for matters melodic and as fine a soundtrack to that last dance as your heart might want.
Goodnight sweetheart goodnight.