There’s something quite special about acoustic gigs in Plantation . The small capacity, low level lighting and sofas create a homely atmosphere. The set up is simple- two stools, each with a mic and a jack lead for a guitar. The sofas remain in place, and the crowd sit in a semi circle around the performers, on the sofas, or on the floor. The atmosphere is casual and friendly, and the performances are fantastic.

First is Jay, usuallyperforming as FALLING LIGHTLY,when he plays with a bassist and drummer. However, tonight, it’s just him and his acoustic guitar. The songs he plays are different, with unusual lyrical timing and interesting intonation at certain points, especially on End of the Line. Simple songs about love, pain, and loss. They are chilled out, nostalgic; not really bringing to mind any definitive artist in particular. He has a deep resonant voice, with an honest, thoughtful and almost vacant sound to it. His singing isn’t perfect. Neither is his guitar-playing. He knows this, and he knows it doesn’t matter. Whenever a mistake does crop up, he laughs and continues. His quiet understated performance is spellbinding in its underwhelmingness. Quality stuff.

DAVID ANDERSON reminds me strongly of man who was booked in exactly the same slot as he is now at the last acoustic gig Plantation had- Frank Turner. And not because he writes folk songs. He doesn’t. Not because he used to sing in a punk rock band. To the best of my knowledge, he didn’t. It’s because he sings in an English accent. This seems an odd point to pick up on, but it adds an honest quality to the music; a charm which allows us, the audience watching (in England , need I remind you), to empathise better with the songs he’s singing. His strong emotional voice sings cleverly written lyrics, which make you think you’re listening to a terribly deep, clever song, when in fact the songs are extremely simple, and like the previous act, are about basic simple human feelings like love, hate, anger, hurt. Moving and powerful.

The open mic slot is filled by a variety of acts, including several Kill Claudio songs, a Coheed & Cambria Cover, and a Counting Crows cover. Some of it is great, some not so great, but the audience is forgiving, and everyone enjoys themselves.

Finishing off tonight’s entertainment is JOEY B. Once again, he is just as different to the other two acts as they were from each other. He has a strong, very emotional voice, which has a very nasal quality to it. His songs are sad, melancholy and moving. Watching, you find yourself drawn into the mood he creates, and although these are sad, they don’t leave you feeling depressed and despondent, but touched. It’s not often that you get to see true emotion put across in a musical act in these days of corporate coldness and mass production, and it’s an amazing thing to witness. And, of course, it’s not all melancholy, as proven by penultimate song Eddie and the Christmas Fairy; Joey’s ‘happy song’, which he dedicates to his girlfriend. He also slips in a Counting Crows/ Coheed and Cambria Medley, which in itself is impressive, and he flows flawlessly from one band to the other. A genuinely enjoyable act.

Tonight is proof once more that Plantation gigs aren’t all about metalcore, emo and indie. It’s amazing that one week the café can be packed to capacity with sweaty rockers moshing and headbanging, and only 2 weeks later the same people are chilling out on the sofas and nodding along gently to acoustic music. This is truly a compliment to the accepting atmosphere that you can really feel in Plant (unless you’re a newbie!!!- I joke, honestly).

The next gig will not be reviewed, due to college commitments, but I’ll see you all on the 9 th of March.

 Take care,

Jamie Webster