Support is provided by One Little Plane, aka Kathryn Bint who originates from Chicago. She is accompanied by Kieran Hebden of Four Tet on guitar. She sings gentle songs in breathy, sweet vocals, a sort of American Lucy and the Caterpillar, though possibly the songs verge on too sugary for some palettes. Kieran plays melodica for the most engaging song of her set, called 'Sunshine Kid', which is out on 7" in May, followed by her debut album.
The folk scene in London seems to be quite incestuous and side-projects, collectives and collaborations abound which is good news for punters as it results in lots of unique projects, fresh perspectives and bursts of creativity. One of the new, exciting collectives to emerge is headline act, The Accidental, featuring Hannah Caughlin of The Bicycle Thieves, Stephen Cracknell of the Memory Band, soulful singer-songwriter Liam Bailey and one of the founder members of Tunng, Sam Genders. Cracknell and Caughlin were reportedly introduced by Adem who is in the audience tonight. The band's name comes from a series of happy chance meetings which eventually resulted in the formation of the new collective.
Despite the main members being involved in other projects, The Accidental have found time to create an album, 'There Were Wolves', which is released next week on the Full Time Hobby label. The Accidental have only played a handful of live shows so far, the first of which was just a couple of months ago, but theyve already enjoyed a few support slots with Malcolm Middleton.
As well as song-writing duties, the band share vocals - Bailey, Caughlin and Genders swapping "lead" vocals; Genders and Cracknell also play acoustic guitar and the four main members are supplemented tonight by Rob Spriggs on viola and Martin Smith from Tunng on "beats". The vocals are full of sunshine lovely, melodic harmonies over the folksy guitars, with restrained strings and gentle percussion providing the rhythm and all the songs are distinctive.
The set showcases most of the new album and they open with 'The Closer I Am' which lays their folk credentials on the line and has beautiful layers of almost choral vocals and the infectious 'I Can Hear Your Voice' which will be their new single. There is a celebratory song called 'Time and Space' which was written by Cracknell for his niece when she was born and includes some sweet lyrics about being true to your self and being part of everything. Genders explains that he used to dedicate the next song 'Birthday' to anyone in the audience with a birthday but says he's stopped doing that as it's actually about watching someone sleep so he felt it was "getting a bit creepy".
They play a cover version of 'Come Wander With Me' from an episode of the cult TV series 'The Twilight Zone', which is a suitably spooky and mournful sounding song with Caughlin on lead vocals and Bailey providing very low-pitched backing. The final song 'Knock Knock' also sounds slightly eerie but enchanting.
Actually, the whole show is quite enchanting and if you like your folk music with thoughtful lyrics, and beautiful intermingled voices, then check out The Accidental, likely coming to a festival near you soon, or treat yourself to the album.
article by: Helen O'Sullivan
photos by: Helen O'Sullivan
published: 14/04/2008 11:58
FUTURE GIGS
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