Originally scheduled to happen at Think Tank in Hoults Yard, a last minute change of venue found them at The Other Rooms (subsequently confirmed as the new home of Think Tank). A PA system was sourced. A sound engineer located. Audience informed. The first adversity is overcome.
For those who have not been to The Other Rooms, it’s a room with a bar attached to Digital. It’s smaller than the old Think Tank and although it has an antler chandelier (which felt appropriate) it doesn’t have the same charm as Think Tank for live music (probably because it’s attached to a trendy club). That said, I'm reliably informed that the new residents plan to spruce the place up a bit.
This is the 3rd gig of The Gilded Thieves EP tour, consisting of Nottingham, York and Leeds (on Monday 16th September). Coming along for the ride is a plethora of local talent; Joey Campbell, Meghann Clancy and Savannah Betts. Joey has a great voice and very distinctive stage presence. Meghann had the crowd singing along with her saucy lyrics. Savannah Betts set the mood for the main act dueting with Johnny Walker on banjo.
Now it was time for the big finale; the main act; The Gilded Thieves. The crowd surge forward making the room seem very packed. Here’s where The Thieves faced their second adversity; technical issues. After jiggling, switching and juggling guitars and cables they get stuck in. As always with The Gilded Thieves, the harmonies are lush, the guitars are complimentary creating a rich sound (which always reminds me of Steve Earle ‘Copperhead Road’) and the arrangements are spot on, pulling the listener into their world of alt folk, appalachian mountain music and blues.
I think the stand out moment for me was when they invited Meghann and Savannah back on stage to join in a version of ‘Down to the River to Pray’ (from O’ Brother Where Art Thou (possibly my favourite film)). The crowd was silenced as we were all bathed in the beautiful harmonies.
There will be a review of the EP in the coming weeks but for now ‘Old Devil’ is my favourite original from their current set.
Words: Chris Whiting
Picture: Jay Dawson
Picture: Jay Dawson
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