Radar, Belfast
Thursday 31st March 2014
Tonight Across The Line had the privilege of catching up with some of the country’s finest acoustic talent, led by the charismatic Meb Jon Sol and his band 'The Revolving Door Policy'. An expectant Queens Student Union provided the backdrop for what we hoped would be an electric evening...
Opening the show was eighteen year old singer/songwriter Patrick Gardiner, his gently crafted acoustic ballads a far cry from his work with the esteemed Anuna Choir. In a set bursting with songs filled with bluesy charm, Gardiner's relaxed demeanor and laid back style wasted no time in evoking the interest of the steadily growing crowd. His outlooks on introversion and young love added a personable aspect to a performance as natural as the songs themselves. A reworked, 50's inspired cover of hip hop artist Estelle's 'American Boy' acted as an unusual, yet enjoyable finale.
Second on the bill was the swooning alt/folk of Rory Nellis, the 'Seven Summits' front man tonight backed by a band featuring half of acoustic maestros 'Master & Dog'. At times, the grand arrangements and soaring vocals made way for the organised chaos of Radiohead style abandon, ending songs with tumultuous wonder. 'One Good Reason' rose with serenity, a touching ode to equal rights in the 21st century, while 'When I Sleep's romantic "I am falling for you" refrain is as touching, perhaps even more so, than the recorded version. The Belfast man's effortless stage presence and crowd interaction is a joy to witness, adding to a vintage Nellis performance, professional, varied and always entertaining.
Eventually came headliner Meb Jon Sol. Fronted by ex-Colenso Parade's guitarist Mick and his trademark grin, it seemed inevitable that the Students Union would soon be a mass of swaying arms and raucous dancing with big hitting melodies and the frontman's boundless energy. Opener 'I Am From Nowhere' had the audience on their feet from the off. Meb's greatest strength may lie in the variations of his songwriting, from the soothing Irish croons of 'Leave All Your Troubles With Me' to the foot-stomping vigor of 'Not Young Anymore'. Perhaps this was best highlighted by the handful of acoustic numbers Meb performed with only the lead guitarist from his assembled backing band in support, adding a Dire Straights styled edge to the lovingly crafted folk of the headliner.
This assembled catalog of expertly developed tracks made for a balanced and confident end to the night, climaxing with the tub-thumping anthem the audience longed to dance to, and dance they did. 'Captain Of This Ship' inspired the first real, driving sing along of the night, while a brave cover of Bob Dylans 'Outlaw Blues' ended the night in some style.
A fine end to a great evening, for our constantly evolving acoustic scene.
Taylor Johnson
