If this was the start, the endpoint will be something else. The journey in-between will likely be one not to miss. 'Start' may be a loose word to attach as many miles, hours and endeavour have gone into the craft of Sorrel Nation to reach a point where things are beginning to happen. A debut album launch tour reached its conclusion in Leamington Spa to cap a period of increased awareness and accrued praise. Whispers and local recognition are morphing into a larger entity where the name and music of Sorrel Nation is considerably growing its presence. Diving deep into a gorgeous album and subsequently listening to the songs in an intimate setting completes a mini circle of engagement and one to derive heaps of satisfaction.
LOST EN ROUTE is literally only weeks old to the wider world and, in the vein of smart artists, its entirety was shared in the cosy surroundings of the basement performing space in the Temperance. We learnt for this final date of the tour that the band format was slimmed down with the drums and bass departing early. However the strength and malleability of the songs brushed them up for a stripped back airing, though after the break an extra vibe was added with guest cello and keyboards.
The vocals held up after a busy period and there were several significant moments where some extreme notes were conquered. This side of Sorrel Nation's musical artistry is one of her key assets, neatly nestled next to an ability to match meaningful lyrics with enticing melodies. A diversity to sweetly serenade in a softly spun folk style and rock out in an absorbing manner shows the breadth of talent. 'The Way the Wind Blows' and 'Dead Man's Road' from the new album perfectly exemplified this.
The evening's headline performance first set saw guitarist Sam Anderson join up in a duo format. His playing skills were a feature of the show, showcasing the full range of an electric repertoire within the confines of a small space. He also offered support on acoustic guitar complementing Sorrel on her own take with the instrument. One key moment in the first half was when she ditched the guitar and poured her heart into a version of 'Who Knows Where the Time Goes'. A staple of folk rock pretence slowing things down, though only ever borrowing it from Sandy Denny. Other features of an impressive start were opening track 'Old Man' and dipping back into the pre-album stack of songs with 'Slow it Down'.
After the break Theo Holder, Sorrel's partner, turned the duo into a trio via the cello. We got the impression this aspect of the live set up is a newish venture. The added dimension brought extra vibes to tracks such as 'Lost En Route', 'Eggshells' and 'Crazy For You'. The latter is the closest yet to a Sorrel Nation signature tune. A slice of recording gold sounding as good live as from the studio.
The high quality studio production is one of the album's highest merits. For a grassroots artist, adaptability is the key when taking to the road. A skill securely held in the band's locker. We later gleaned that further full band tours and a slate of solo dates are in the pipeline. No time like the present to exploit the talents in multiple and practical settings.
Two other covers defined the influences. Straight after the break, support artist Clare Portman accepted the invite to play keyboard on a blessed version of the Gillian Welch classic 'Look at Miss Ohio'. While unequivocally English in her creative outlook, the style of Sorrel Nation blends into Americana-tinged sounds. Portman returned for the encore when the now-assembled quartet sent a sold out Temperance home in the Leamington Spa rain with a rip roaring version of the Marshall Tucker Band's addictive tune 'Can't You See'. Cue some final top playing from Anderson let loose on electric.
Clare Portman, a Midlands based singer-writer and associate of Sorrel Nation from her days in the south east, played a short opening set of mainly personal songs. The pick of these was one described as a 'long burner' and written in honour of her late father. From the keyboards it sounded hugely emotive and endearingly good.
The Temperance proved a fitting attentive setting for this final show of the tour. It provided a close up exposure of what Sorrel Nation is about. Folks entering the room with high expectations had them matched. Those taking a lucky punt pulled out a gem. The start of this singer-songwriter-cum-invigorating performer raising her profile has eased quickly through the gears. Plans are afoot and inspiration seems plentiful. Catching a piece of the action is a no brainer in the near and mid future.
