The Acorn @Horseshoe (April 28)

The Acorn started real strong despite the recent departure of a founding member. Still a five piece and that beloved double percussion combo really did some numbers on us, namely Kindling to Cremation and Hold Your Breath. The Flood Pt.1 excellently showcased their skills with the mid-song guitar breakdowns and varied drumming. They had to stall as they waited to be rejoined by their former secondary singer who had been Misplaced. He sang on a few, remarking that it was weird to sing without a guitar in his hands. Following his departure there was a slight mid set lull but a strong closing brought it all together.
Lit from the stage up, they picked it up with No Ghost and Low Gravity before having Jeff rejoin them on the closer. In encore they did an Acorn fan favourite in a rocking rendition of Crooked Legs. As it was their final night of the tour they showed some love to Evening Hymns and invited them, along with any other musician friend in attendance to come on stage for some fun. This came in the formof cover songs! Tom Petty's Won't Back Down, and You Wreck Me led by Evening Hymns. All told a couple of entertaining sets from an up and comer and a well trodden old timer (relatively speaking).

Evening Hymns @Horseshoe (April 28)

Leaving the hubbub of the Horseshoe's front room I found a captive, silent audience in an oft chatty space. Rightfully so, everyone was drawn in by the bearded man laying impassioned lyrics over light electric guitar notes. As it turned out this was the opening song from the man behind Evening Hymns. Joining him after this were a female, subtle bassist with backing vocals, the ginger D'urberville (yes I know the D'urbs are dead) on keys and special guest Wooden Sky guitarist as well as a friend who sat in on the odd song with soft tipped drumsticks. The music was all new to me and I found it to be indie music that was slightly dark and downbeat in a beautiful way. Truthfully I could hear tender Counting Crows moments primarily in the lead vocals, and this was a positive. A trumpeter joined for a few tracks and brought something extra to each one. In finale everyone left the stage again and the bearded fellow worked the loops slowly building up guitar, then vocals, followed by keys and surprisingly danceable synths before the stage flooded again and all the aforementioned plus the Acorn singer repeated out a line. A really gorgeous and satisfying set from an artist and group to look out for.