Unable to get to a gig for a PR company who have generally been pretty nice, I put out a request for help. Two younger readers, Calum and Michael, who used to be my students in another loife, came to the rescue. Over to you guys…

Communion: Gabriel and the Hounds/Rae Morris/Reubam/Naledi

Sneaky Pete’s, Edinburgh, February 29

A Communion organised event allows the gig-goer to see both local home-grown talent and bands from further afield, this gig at Sneaky Petes showed just that, boasting artists from Edinburgh, Blackpool and Gabriel and the Hounds from Brooklyn, New York. Going in with only knowledge of free single “The world unfolds” (the link to which is provided below), we were a fresh set of ears.

First up was Musselburgh local girl Naledi Herman, her largely Edinburgh influenced piano pop cannot fail to be compared to Adele, boasting strong lyrics and voice to match.

Second act Rae Morris blew us away, simple. This 19 year old singer/songwriter from Blackpool silenced the crowd the moment she struck the first chord of free download song ‘Back to Front’. With a fantastically distinctive voice paired with an equally impressive song writing style, Rae Morris sang with passion and power to reach into the hearts of the crowd.

While appearing slightly reserved and shy, her set would have justified a much more confident stage presence. Song ‘Back to front’ has been on repeat ever since.

Thirdly, Reubam. This band were full sounding, boasting a modern folk style with a certain twist, which can only be likened to the harmonica based folk pop of The Holloways.

Reubam played their lively set filled with complimenting melodies, impressive riffs and lots of energy. Based in Edinburgh a number of people in the crowd recognised them and a few songs. The traditional folk style of a cello and violin complimented a finger-picked acoustic guitar and vocal harmonies. All songs were well put together, with both the crowd and the band bouncing to the music.

Gabriel and the Hounds took to the stage starting with ‘Just Not like You’- a song not on the new album ‘Kiss Full of Teeth’, an album which has received much critical promise since its release.
The set was a stripped-back version of the album with just two people present, backed up with a synthesized string sound.
Gabriel Levine (Takka Takka) boasts links with Beirut, St Vincent and The National. The stripped back approach of the live set really gives the impression that the Gabriel and the Hounds ‘project’ is largely a solo effort.
“This is a special day, the 29th – an extra day” Gabriel explains, playing song ‘What good would that do’ to the crowd’s recognition.
The lo-fi guitar played simple chords behind some powerful singing which worked almost perfectly. A simple drumbeat was enough to complete the sound and the range of songs from emotional and deep to upbeat and laid back provided an interesting set.
They finish their strong 8 song set with a cover of The Travelling Wilburys’ ‘Congratulations’ which encourages the crowd to sing along.
Hearing a few tracks online, we had a basic idea of what to expect, but even on songs we recognised it was like listening to something new, it really reminded me of the Black Keys, mixed with a Brooklyn sound akin to Vampire Weekend.
Too often bands reproduce the sounds of their albums, whereas Gabriel and the Hounds brought energy and passion into the music that you wouldn’t hear on a recording.

Calum Langdale and Michael Todd.