the castle – devizine.com

by Ben Naimor

I have been pestered that I would love St Fian. They have played at my local venue in Devizes before, but I had not managed to catch them, until now…..

What I had not been warned about, was that this fantastic duo would present me with among the finest female voices I’ve ever had the pleasure of hearing. Enchanting and emotive vocals, of the kind that have you transfixed; there is no question of whether I will see them again!

This is a band who happily embrace wonderful small-room venues like this, rubbing shoulders as it does on their summer tour listings with some decent size festivals; truly adaptive and passionate artists, and wonderful humans. I was very glad to get a quick chat too, post-gig.

The distinctive voice and musicianship of this duo have a fresh and exciting edge, but built on the solid ground of true folk. I think my favourite original song of a mixed set of originals and covers, a song called Paperboat, an original ode to all life’s tribulations, a reminder to live life rather than wish it away. Given we were informed the duo are a nurse and mental health worker, respectively, perhaps this is why singing with poise and compassion about such things comes so readily and enjoyably.

We shouldn’t overlook the confident and relaxed picking of the fine musician on guitar and bouzouki, a cross between a banjo and mandolin. Despite the strange name it’s gentle tones suit Ian’s gentle picking, and seems more than ready for when it’s time for Irish songs or shanty.

Loving the shruti box too, reputedly costing a week’s pocket money! But again, a true folk instrument that adds a little underlying mystery to the sound, on a couple of songs.

I’ve not been inspired to review or delight in word, so much recently, but my heart was opened; that’s about me, not any of the wonderful music I’ve enjoyed, but worthy I think of mentioning, is that the moment Steph began to sing, my shoulders relaxed and I felt this was something I had to try and convey and applaud in print.

The duo are creeping towards an all-original set, and by their own admission enjoy doing some covers, as they fill their original songbook with new material. So, the second set had a few covers in, but you have not seen these covers done so proud before; it takes a joyous confidence and incredible voice to do justice to some songs so familiar to so many. Don’t Think Twice by Dylan , for instance, sung with a lingering harmonious quality that appeared to literally hang on every lyric.

A couple of covers of Stevie Nicks and Fleetwood, it takes a confident singer to carry off Stevie, and to do so that a life long fan like me is enthralled. Another one which would be ambitious for most, I’ve certainly witnessed some less than adequate attempts over the years was The Cranberries’ Zombie, with the comment that this will let metal fan Ian rock out! Then, smashes it again, the most incredible thing to do; such choices for powerful and very well known songs, but with this being a duo, an intimacy and powerful delivery of verse that knocks yer socks off.

So, as you might have guessed, I was very impressed; real genuinely wonderful humans, giving us unforgettable moments in local small-room spaces is what our scenes are all about. Thank you as ever to Ed and the Castle, as well as Steph and Ian for a superb gig.

SoP-Live are Swindon-based music promoters, and run The Thursday Night Music Club at The Castle. There’s a whole list of great stuff lined up this year you can check out on socials for Sop Live, and St Fian have the socials too so, we can make sure we catch them down the line.

There’s a whole EP and an album in the works; I can’t wait, I’ve a feeling it will be a popular play in the soundtrack to my life.

By Ben Niamor

It’s been way too long since I saw the irrepressible Jake Martin, and he did not disappoint, classic songs as ever, open, maybe even anarchic delivery.. he found himself in front of mostly familiar ears….

On tour with some friends on a multi head bill, having fun whilst often singing and talking of life’s serious side, all of them; relationships, drinking games and mental health, all up for dissection and deliberation through song.

Mexican Dave opened, a wisecracking confident man with a definite penchant for singing fast, and getting us to sing whilst other key figures in this scene, Gaz Brookfield and Ben B-Sydes become improvised captains for each side of the room in a chorus battle.. as you do! My friend and I sat either side of a table at the front wearing our respective captains tee shirts by coincidence amused us and Dave..!

Blake Cateris, was the middle man in the line up, a little more settled and profound.. an Aussie in our midst. Perhaps more reflective, though, are some great songs, and having a look at his poetry book this morning, he is a great writer. About to set off for a 22 date tour in Germany before returning to Sydney, wish him well and hope to see him again…

The headline, the main man, Jake Martin. He’s famously self deprecating and among the most appropriately described musicians in the folk punk remit. Your mother may not appreciate every turn of phrase, but his crowds always will!

I consider him an anthemic hero, all on the bill actively involving us, but none with such fervour, perhaps through widespread familiarity of his rousing songs. I am one to try for instance, of loving, failing and trying in equal measure.

Songs about relationships, poor decisions, mental health, and all with an openness that rarely is found in larger yet less enveloping venues and in many artists. Foot stomping common ground, for many present will have had these problems, for my part my antidote to the modern condition is music, so that’s how perhaps I should wrap up my ramblings, Jake and all the wonderful musicians that grace our venues are the antidote. All you need to do is go find some that work for you.

I am pretty sure Ed (Dyer) will forgive me for likening last night as it nostalgically did for me, to the venue which opened this world for me, the fold in Devizes. It literally changed my life. Sadly gone yet seeing old friends and musicians alike roll eyes, and wax lyrical of shared nights such as this many years past, aware how important it is to seize the moment.

There are great venues around and tirelessly passionate people, many among my friends, it’s as simple as doing a little research, and getting out to support them.

Thankfully I won’t wait too long as aside from town gigs this weekend , I shall be back to Old Town for the incredible Wilswood Buoys at next week’s Thursday night club at the Castle.