Heart of a Dog, Wooden Arms & Cove Hithe // NAC - 13.02.2014
BFR and Elevator Music presents an evening of alt.classical and alt.folk.
Heart of a Dog, Wooden Arms & Cove Hithe // NAC - 13.02.2014 Cove Hithe is a trio of Jason Ducker on guitar/piano, Matilda Pendered on violin and Astrid Calloman on percussions. All three share vocals, Jason taking lead. Joined for part of the set by Daisy Vaughan, this is a set of vaguely classical, chamber folk, reminiscent of Esmerine, early Silver Mt Zion and the solo work of Talk Talk’s Mark Hollis. Closing with 'Blue Moon', this was an interesting and promising set. Worth keeping an eye out for. (7/10)
Co-headliners Heart of a Dog is an alt.folk duo of Leonard Samuel and Jonathan Allen on guitar and drums. This is more upbeat, rockier folk, recalling Stormoway or the Mumfords, although "Dark Horse" could almost be the Bad Seeds. Songs like 'Fever' and 'Curiosity' show a welcome individuality and closing with an Eels cover is a brave move. (7/10)
Coming on after Mogwai is a similarly brave move but that is what alt.classical/folk seven piece Wooden Arms do. Tonight’s set is strong, with 'Separate The Verb', 'Noah' and new single 'December' being particularly good. The playing and five-piece vocal harmonies are at times sublime, in the vein of Talk Talk’s 'Colour of Spring'. If I have a criticism, they are just a little too restrained live. With a little more spirit, they could be the British Arcade Fire. (8/10)
Pavlis
