Adelaide's Cape- Moles, Bath 14/06/10

Photos: Christopher Steel

Monday night wasn't a gig.

On Monday night I wasn't in some dingy (yet brilliant) club in Bath, checking out burgeoning talent Adelaide's Cape. On Monday night I was sat in someone's living room at 3 in the morning, gathered around with some friends watching a couple of mates have a bit of a jamming session. At least, that's what it felt like; sat in some dingy club in Bath, checking out Adelaide's Cape and co. Both the support and main man himself managed to create a truly refreshing gig in a world where the connection between artists and audience has been cut short.

Before all that though, there's the mater of the support. Now usually the support slot can always be a bit hit and miss- you know, the kind of act that leaves you wanting to impale them with the mic stand. Thankfully however, this wasn't one of those occasions. Mike Still offered a somewhat unconventional support; regaling tales of falling in love with a stripper, the wonders of MDMA and even a particularly well formed ditty about incest (well, he is from Swindon..). Mike shows real promise as these songs stand well on their own, though a bit of progression is needed before he can really bring them to life. For me anyway there was this kind of longing present in a lot of his songs; it was all far too abrupt. Just one more verse, chorus, anything really. I couldn't quite put my finger on what was missing but there was a definite sense of anticipation after his songs, not something perhaps should be present after every song. All in all though I'd say that was the only downpoint of the evening. Mike is obviously a very talented musician who has a razor sharp wit- perhaps in time this will become more evident in his songs' full realisation.

Adelaide's Cape provided a very chilled end to the proceedings with a couple of really mellow numbers, definitely more swaying than lighters in the air but nevertheless all very twee. Again there was this kind of inclusive vibe that gave the impression of just chilling with some muso types; a certain sense of camaraderie more typical of an impromptu performance at a houseparty, not at a gig in the traditional sense. Hell, he even stopped midway through song to joke about someone in the crowd being tickled. You don't get THAT at the Academy now do you? With lyrics so vivid you could literally place yourself within them and a rousing accompaniment from his band (including a particularly groovy double bassist- actually makes me want to take it up again), Adelaide's Cape were well worth waiting for, even if in the end only a select few of us had the privilege of hearing it.

Despite being dubbed as "nu-folk" on his Facebook page, Adelaide's Cape have that stripped back feel of one man and his guitar that is typical of a lot of great traditional folk artists out there. I only hope that he is able to reach the same heights of popularity as his counterparts have.

There should have had a bigger crowd. Fact. But the selfish part of me almost prefers that there wasn't. Monday night wasn't a gig of normal proportions: but my what a lovely way to spend an evening.

Surrender to the Scandinavian Shiver

This is gorgeous and precisely the reason why I adore Miss Olof Arnalds.

Whenever I say to people that a have a zest for foreign and Scandinavian music, I'm often greeted with looks of bewilderment. Even after the successes of Sigur Ros and Mum in the Western alternative music scene, it seems that this unique style of music is still left in the background. Shame really. Sometimes a small voice is all you need to make the most deafening noise; or at the very least a shiver down your spine, something which virtuosos like Olof demonstrate with ease. But I dare the naysayers and, indeed you, to listen to this and prove me wrong.

I'm not a huge Bjork fan I must say, her voice kinda rubs me the wrong way at times, but on top of this ambient acoustic melody it's almost perfect.

If that has got you wanting more then there's a mighty fine EP of hers available to stream on Spotify. Check it out mofos.

Please Don't Take My Sunshine Away

This just makes me melt.

This isn't the version I wanted but it was literally the only one I could find (Damn you Youtube!). You HAVE to download the studio version of it though to see what I mean.

There's something about this song being sung by a male voice rather than the usual soprano that's warm, inviting and just generally yummy. I also really love the guitar part that Frank wrote for it, it's a nice take on a classic.

Here's the better version: Frank Turner- You Are My Sunshine (Spotify)

Sunshiney Goodness

Pretty much sums up my mood at the moment.

*SIGH*

Whimsical, wonderful and very very poppy. This is the sound of the summer, or at least it should be. The fact that they sound a lot like Scouting for Girls is the only downside to these guys; a factor which I think is made up for by the use of the awesome glockenspiel (the instrument of Gods).

I should be seeing The Candle Thieves perform at The Croft on my birthday, I'm very much looking forward to it.

Sleek, sexy electro that's perfect on a day like today when the ever elusive sun decides to grace us with an appearance. Mmm yes please.

Sound good to you?

If that hasn't convinced you then I'm sure the writhing girls in the video will (if you're that way inclined..).

Make sure you download The Wave Machines' debut album, it's out now and available to download on their site. I'm expecting grand things from these guys, they have that Hot Chip/LCD Soundsystem kind of vibe that's bound to set the Indie clubs ablazing.

Yet another Sam Sparro song I'm trying desperately hard not to like..

Is it wrong that I adore his outfit?

It's official: the funk is taking over.

Folk? Capes? What's not to Like?

Evening chaps, I know it's been a while. Blame my ever increasing workload/revision schedule and idleness for the delay. I assure you normal service shall resume shortly..

Now then, forget about the Government palaver, (yes I know we're doomed but at least it gives us the chance to lose ourselves in The Smiths' back catalogue all over again, every cloud and all..) there's much more important things going on down in fair old Albion. One of which is the rise and resurgence of the Great British (and Irish) Folk Scene. There have been rumblings (albeit soft, twee ones) resounding from the nooks and crannies of the British Isles over the past couple of years or so, but it's been the past few months that have really shaken the foundations of the lo-fi music scene- Folk is the new Indie.

We've seen Laura Marling emerge from the shadows to produce a breathtaking second album, Mumford and Sons have captured the hearts of the nation with their debut in an everloving embrace and my favourite Dev, Mr Lightspeed Champion, has brought us a thoroughly interesting second solo album.

And don't even get me started on Frank Turner.

Indeed, we really have been spoiled for choice lately. Adding to this long list of luxurious lyricists (too much?) is Sam Taylor a.k.a Adelaide's Cape, a band that's certain to charm the metaphorical knickers off of you. You might have been lucky to catch Sam and the rest of Adelaide's Cape on tour, having supported both Alessi's Ark and Rachael Dodd in the past. If not then take a look at this, folk at its warmest:

I'm a sucker for an acoustic guitar, but this is just gorgeous isn't it? Perfect in its simplicity with an air of complete contentment, I can definitely picture myself swaying to this under a cloudless sky whilst genteelly sipping on Pimms with some pals.

If you'd like to share in the dream, Mr Taylor is supporting The Miserable Rich on tour this June, and will be hitting up The Secret Garden Party and Open House Festival later on in the year with some folktastic tunes yo.

Adelaide's Cape will also be playing a slot at the Bandstand in Bath on the 12th of June, (free entry) so if you're in that neck of the woods then check it out.

www.myspace.com/adelaidesCape