As I entered the Soup Kitchen's dimly lit basement, I felt transported back in time to a more innocent age as The Lumineers' 1st album wafted from the PA. I started to imagine that Marcus Mumford might step on stage with a banjo. The nu folk revival might have long since gone out of fashion, but it clearly still has an audience, as this sold out show demonstrated. The first act, the local Lindsay Munroe playing solo evoked a hushed response from the crowd for her delicate, sensitively delivered soulful songs. This aura of reverence continued for the second support act, Sam Airey, also playing without a band, also with a melancholic air.
It's currently possible to feel nostalgic about a lost era of innocence from a month ago, let alone from a decade ago, and this experience was an escape into beautiful melody and calm. Whereas recently Rural Alberta Advantage had transported me to difference place: Canada, here I was transported back in time. Yet, Leeds' Sam Airey reminded us of the troubled world outside when he performed the Springsteen cover No Surrender, explaining that: 'we need an American Hero now more than ever'. London's Matthew and the Atlas let their heartbreaking music speak for itself, with little chatter in the hour long set, but much gorgeous harmony and ethereal atmosphere.
Despite the far larger forces of a five piece band crammed onto the small stage, and a participatory clap along at the end, this felt more an introverted than collective experience, a welcome oasis of calm. Whilst banjo appeared for the heartfelt encore I Will Remain from the early EP To The North, Matthew and the Atlas' albums are characterised by the more contemporary addition of keyboards. Plangent clarinet sounds are also added to the mix, yet Matthew Hegarty's vulnerable vocals underly all of their material. Their second album, Temple, from 2016 was inspired by the Scottish Highlands, though one of my favourite songs, Modern World, has a country influenced sound. The quiet subtlety of this folk ultimately proves not just healing, but uplifting, and I strongly recommend this band for those striving to remain positive amidst the unfolding American tragedy.
Lindsay Munroe (Support 1)
Sam Airey (Support 2)
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