Sometimes cracking the gig code can be a straightforward process. Bring your 'A' game, cover the basics and connect with the audience. Mutual respect can go a long way to firming up a base at the grassroots. Sorrel Nation starts from the high water mark of a sublime voice, expressive songwriter and smart band arranger, yet so many other aspects of her approach are key to a growing presence on multiple UK music scenes. Whether based in her native home county of Kent or living a rambling life on the road, an aura of experience coats a stage craft piercing new areas with each tour. Spring 2025 evolves around the launch of the vinyl format of the debut album LOST EN ROUTE and an inaugural show in the West Midlands yielded more converts to a growing band. Making inroads in a crowded independent pool of folk-infused contemporary acts can be demanding and littered with obstacles. Promising signs of Sorrel Nation establishing a foothold were laid bare in Thimblemill Library with a scope for signifiant development echoing from an accomplished performance.
The nearest previous show to the Birmingham area was last October when the album launch tour called into Leamington Spa. The Temperance was ideal for the trio format which proved an excellent live introduction. A wider library stage enabled the six-piece to flourish and the entirety of the album had the benefit from multi-layered support. The two evenings had the common theme of inviting Droitwich-based singer-songwriter Clare Portman to open and her set laid the groundwork for a rewarding evening of music. The key moment was a debut live airing of 'Love is the Way' from a brand new EP with the piano accompaniment superbly coaxing an emotive and sensitive song into life.
The six piece format with Sorrel joined by Sam Anderson (guitar), Theo Holder (cello), Ri Baroche (keyboards) , Simon Browne (drums) and Stef Happie (bass) had an early season festival outing at Ramblin' Roots last month and this whetted the appetite for an extended headline gig. The band shaped up well in a venue more used to slimmer formats. Anderson's guitar skills will flourish in any setting, while the twin frontline sounds of keys and cello came across well adding sonic vibes to what is an evocative library backdrop. Backfield rhythm is always understated yet never under estimated creating the perfect tempo. At the heart is a front person using an acoustic guitar and blissful voice to paint a collage of visual images and inner feelings.
A set time pushing the seventy-minute mark saw the entirety of LOST EN ROUTE played, opening with 'Old Man' and surprisingly peaking with 'Wild Solitude'. Hearing album tracks spring to prominence on stage is not uncommon and unseating the initial standout 'Crazy For You' is no mean feat, even if only for one night. Each song had a meaningful introduction shedding light on what drives the creative passion of Sorrel Nation. An outdoor existence, past relationships and wild ideals all jostle for your headspace as each track added the blocks of effect.
Two covers tilted the show towards influences. Many artists cite and reinterpret the early work of Gillian Welch. Tonight we enjoyed 'North Country' from the 2024 record ending a lengthy hiatus. On the surface, adding to a mountain of 'Who Knows Where the Time Goes' versions is brave requiring a deft interpretation not to sink. The encore moment here floated with splendour.
The ditching of guitar for a drift into Sandy Denny territory revealed a different aspect of Sorrel Nation's artistry. The vocals took on a fresh identity with food for thought to where they may be taken with further advances into this field of delivery. Likewise development could also come from mixing up the band role. More Anderson guitar solos would add a vibrancy, while filtering in the odd Sorrel stage solo moment could strengthen a more candid aspect. With new material likely to emerge before too long, refreshing the stage show could help propel a burgeoning career.
An immersive glow surrounds the work of Sorrel Nation whether on record or live. Engagement is fruitful and you sense an artist with a definitive upward trajectory. A template for connection is something to be nurtured. An amalgamation of simple traits and accumulative talent is serving her well.