“O.K. What happens now?
The first words out of the mouth of Double bassist Lukas Drinkwater as he, and singer-guitarist Tobias Ben Jacob, took the stage. It was a question that several of the audience were asking too. This month Downend Folk Club were, once again, showcasing up and coming talent rather than an established folk name; but what a talent they turned out to be.
From the opening moments of “We are the First Ones Now” they were absolute class. Hushed and restrained they created magic with a bowed double bass and an acoustic guitar. While Drinkwater was the more garrulous Ben Jacob was clearly the star of this particular show. His voice sways from high, nasal and pure to something deeper, darker and more sinister. As early as the first tune it was obvious that here were songs that were worth paying attention to.
Although this pair have only been together for a year they have already been creating quite a name for themselves. BBC Radio 6 are lauding their debut E.P “The Burning Low”, they’ve appeared at countless festivals, including Glastonbury, and seem to pop up at any folk club that you care to name. The “folk” tag is one that doesn’t entirely fit perfectly with them, however. They’re “folk” only in the way that the classic Island Records artists of the 70s were “folk”. That is to say that they take a traditional form and push, bend and shape it somewhere else. Intricate jazzy patterns wrap around beautiful pop tunes. Think John Martyn without the grizzled alcoholism, think Nick Drake without the crippling insecurities. They pour so many things into the mix- jazz, pop, folk, 60s psych and Spanish flourishes – but it all works.
In a set packed with highlights the title track from the E.P inspired finger clicks from audience members while “The Devil & Tobias Ben Jacob” is a spooky Western echo searching for a film to soundtrack. Imagine if mariachi-inspired Americans Calexico were from Exeter. Or the procession in the Wicker Man was lead by a Spanish guitarist.
Amongst all of the incredible musicianship, wonderful vocal harmonising and carefully constructed atmospherics there was still a moment of humour. During “I Won’t Let You Down” Drinkwater’s bass guitar drops through the stage, the end pin slotting through a small gap. He carried on playing on his knees to be joined by Ben Jacob, also on his knees, finishing the song before collapsing in a fir of giggles.
Before these two created their world to wallow in a pair from Brighton warmed up the crowd. Ian Roland and Simon Yapp bought with them a 12 string acoustic guitar and a fiddle. Although they weren’t polished they were deeply charming. An almost 80s indie-pop sensibility with a ragged and raucous fiddle tearing through the middle of it bought huge applause. Their last song, “Passing Through”, was a good time hoedown; they saved their best ‘til last.
“O.K. What happens now?” Well, it seems that the Folk Club has kicked off another year in fine style uncovering yet more fantastic music. Gilmore & Roberts are up next and it will be another one not to miss.
Gavin McNamara
TallFolk 