Gerard and the Watchmen

Dave Gerard has called a rag tag band of acts under his banner in the form of Alex Bayly and Worry Dolls for whom, really, 'support act' is dramatically unjust. Or maybe we've just been using that term a bit too loosely all along. They flit in and out of each other's sets all night, human constants across material differences. Bayly opens with some decent, untaxing stuff, a likeable soloist with some nifty guitar work.But it's the Dolls, the deceptively unassuming duo, who turn out to be the surprise of the evening. Underestimate them at your own risk. From out of nowhere they come and bend sound to their quirky, unorthodox will, chirping out songs that delight in their unpredictable quality. Yes, it's a touch raw and the fluidity between tracks isn't there yet, but it's good where it matters and I hope we get see much more of them.This cheerful bunch all come together to bring the full band effect to Gerard's set, and it develops into an experience of understated richness. That sense of romantic, nomadic traversal is captured effortlessly, with the most compelling moments give rise to thick, rousing harmonies filled out with the vocal talents of the group. It's the newer writing that showcases the best of what's there right now, but even when these heights aren't quite being hit the level remains strong, a comforting set of tracks buttoned up with well tended lyrics and intersected with dry wit. Gerard seems like a slightly guarded frontman, poking at the crowd with what feels like frustration for being 'too polite', which is, for me, something that needs work. Thankfully it doesn't detract too much from what is, overall, a properly warming show of folk loveliness.