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Opening the night were York duo Halloe Away, who warmed up the crowd with a selection of self-scribed acoustic songs (which had me wishing that all demos we’re sent of unsigned bands were as good as this one), and covers of the likes of Mumford and Sons and an Arctic Monkeys live lounge style version of Girls Aloud’s ‘Love Machine’. He even worked in a cheeky little dance move.
Next up were York uni band Taming the Savage. Winning the crowd over with some witty banter (apparently they are also known as ‘Taming the Sausage’... read into that what you will) the pop rock four-piece provided a well-balanced and enjoyable set, although the cover of Fleet Foxes’ ‘White Winter Hymnal’ was perhaps a little misjudged (a song such as this is almost impossible to get right unless you actually are Fleet Foxes, or Swedish folk duo First Aid Kit). These guys showed some definite potential with a mix of upbeat catchy tunes chilled acoustic tracks. Their set finished with ‘One Thing’, a song with a great hook and a perfectly simple understated ending.
Polly and the Billets Doux took to the stage to a welcoming audience. The Winchester country blues quartet opened with ‘Cry Cry Cry’, a cover originally by country legend Johnny Cash. From the start you know this band is fantastic: they delivered a tight and polished performance, displaying some expert musicianship by some incredibly multi-talented individuals – almost every member of the band played several different instruments in the course of the set. Variety was provided in the contrasting vocals of lead singer Polly Perry and the guitarist pulling off some impressive harmonies, and the mix of tracks from their debut album, Fiction, Half-Truths and Downright Lies with the occasional recognisable cover to maintain interest. Polly kept the crowd entertained between songs with some raps (yes you did read that correctly). Song highlights included ‘Follow My Feet’ and ‘Don’t Trouble Trouble’, both upbeat tracks with some classic blues guitar lines. The night finished with a stonking face paced cover of ‘House of the Rising Sun’. This band delivered on all accounts, needless to say their closing track went down a storm.
Stereo had drawn a sizeable crowd for the Americana blues quartet, and rightly so. Outstanding music coupled with disarming modesty make this and easily likeable band. A thoroughly entertaining evening, Polly and the Billets Doux are a great live act and a must for blues fans. Make sure to catch them next time they’re in town. We’ll be sure to give you a heads up.
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