Narc. Magazine Online
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Damian Robinson enjoys an energised show filled with passion and sharp musicianship
Image by Landmark Photography
North East stalwart Nev Clay gently opens up the first of Hector Gannet’s two sold out shows at the Cluny 2. Full of warmth and chat, Clay is the perfect tonic for a cold evening where we need a little time to thaw out and wake up.
Hector Gannet open with a solo rendition of Lindisfarne’s January Song – a nice, subtle acknowledgment both of the time of the year and of their local influences. Delivered in fine voice, it’s an interesting scene setter to the evening; the more the show continues, the easier it is to see a connection between the songs and style of Hector Gannet and that of Alan Hull – warm, full of meaning, and wrapped around historic Northern folk sounds.
Presenting a host of new songs, they are on fine form tonight – Full Circle, Boat in a Bottle and Silence offer interesting insight into the sound of their forthcoming new album. Dylan-esque in places, and packed out with Dexys-esque soul styles in others, Aaron Duff and co. present lush melodies with intense vocal delivery. Energised, and presumably excited, by their new material they deliver a fine show tonight filled with passion, sharp musicianship and amusing asides. Squeezing in older tracks (Wailing Wall being a stand-out) tonight’s show reminds us both of what we already have with Hector Gannet and the possibilities of what’s coming next. Excellent.
