Sons of the East were top of the bill and there was a buzz of wholesomeness in the air at 02 Islington.
Unusually for a school night, the venue saw an early swell with an enlivened crowd totally amped up for this folk/indie Australian outfit comprising of Jack Rollins, Nic Johnston and Dan Wallage.
Mid-way through their European tour and with this show previously cancelled, the band were excited to be there and the crowd were excited to see and hear this glee-filled, original triad perform their famously incredible live show magic in the heart of old London town.
First on stage to warm up the already toasty audience was Kim Churchill. Kim wasn’t the woman we thought she would be… Kim is in fact a man; an extremely happy, gentle man who began his joyful, soul-searching and life affirming set by telling us the story of how he found his home…
Fingers working their magic on his dusty guitar, barefooted in frayed jeans with a wide, warm smile, Kim finger-picked, strummed, simultaneously drummed and blew (on his harmonica) us through a set of gorgeous music; intense, funny, poignant and ultimately feel-good songs.
Kim is a touselled blonde Bolan / Dylanesque creature, the kind of friend you want at a Luau, but keep him away from your best girl, or boy, or other. A separate review will be available shortly for Kim Churchill.
The audience fully flame-grilled by antipodean warmth and the 02 packed tight to capacity, Sons of the East came on stage, lighting it up with their , charisma, congeniality and flair. We could tell they were here to have a great time- and so were we!
Rooted in folk, their contemporary, sun-soaked sound is one of perfectly blended banjo, guitars and keyboard, overlain with Jack’s rather unique, rich, warm, husky vocals, beautiful harmonies and soaring harmonica.
With all the pomp and posturing we expect and relish from a great front man, Jack’s rich, resonant tones lead us on through the poignant, almost Kinks like (editor’s favourite) Fool Me"
They begin their set with California, a folksy, happy and lively tune which builds in pace and intensity, leading to an exuberant ending, which the crowd loved. The band have an almost instant connection to their audience who respond easily and enthusiastically to Jack, Nic and Dan’s friendly welcoming invitation to their fun-filled music party . Tonight, the 02 Islington is a very happy place to be…
The Farmer follows, which showcases the band’s talent for building and layering through their songs, adding harmonies in thirds and structure and shape through changing pace and key changes. Come Away begins in an understated way, with guitar, keyboard and harmonica and builds with close harmony singing and gentle percussion before the banjo adds texture and depth, adding lively sections to the song. The crowd soon join in with the dual, yearning vocals and a spell is cast.
The atmosphere created is one of unique euphoria"
With all the pomp and posturing we expect and relish from a great front man, Jack’s rich, resonant tones lead us on through the poignant, almost Kinks like (editor’s favourite) Fool Me, Lost Cause and What I Do, with Nic’s mastery of the keyboard and Dan’s flawless banjo playing blending together perfectly. It’s impossible not to move to- and be moved by- this exuberant sound.
Miramere and Hold On follow, their melancholic choruses segue-ing into increasingly happy sections, which is a signature technique of the band. The songs are ultimately and failingly optimistic, heralded by the uplifting and increasingly fast finger-picking and strumming rhythms on guitar and banjo. These three are loving life and want the rest of us to love it too…
their lyrics are haunting yet relatable, poignant yet hopeful"
You Might Think sees Jack leave the stage and become part of his audience. As comfortable amongst them as he is on stage, the connection and communication is ever stronger. The ballad On My Way and Already Gone, with its 12 bar blues structure, delight us with the expertly balanced banjo and guitar riffs with piano and bass; an amazing variety of folk styles within this set. Into the Sun begins with a simple, classy piano melody building in intensity and pleasure as vocals and harmonies are added. The atmosphere created is one of unique euphoria.
The crowd plead and yell for more- and more they are granted, this happy, blissful evening finishing with Silver Lining and My Repair, which continue Sons of The East’s trademark blend of harmonied vocals, acoustic guitar, banjo and harmonica with a modern synth twist, bringing a new, danceable sound to today’s ‘musical ear’.
Sons of the East’s fresh, fun, contemporary take on folk has tangible energy; their lyrics are haunting yet relatable, poignant yet hopeful, echoed by the optimistic key signatures chosen and played so joyfully, confidently, masterfully. Their advice to songwriters- to ‘write as many songs as you possibly can’- is very good news for us! Already blinded by this evening’s brilliance, there could well be a whole galaxy of starry songs out there just waiting to be composed and performed for us by this talented trio.
SONS OF THE EAST PLAYED O2 ACADEMY ISLINGTON ON 06/09/2022
SUPPORT FROM KIM CHURCHILL
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