Midway through the third song, Sian and Ray paused the harmonies to let the sound of a revving motor cycle fade away. Literally only a few seconds passed, but it summed up grassroots gigs and all their idiosyncrasies. Not that opening every single window in Thimblemill Library wasn't a requirement on a a hot summer's evening warming up for the record breaking onslaught. Warming up also wasn't necessary for The Black Feathers making a long welcome return to the Midlands as they hit the traps right from the off.
It is the harmonies that go a long way to define a duo now based in South Wales after many years branching out from a Gloucestershire home. There is a case to to be made for Ray's guitar expertism matching the divine vocals, even when a string breaks on the signature song. Anyhow that meant we had one and a half versions of 'Down By The River', so there was a winner after all.
The Black Feathers began to become wider known in the early months of 2014 with the core sound, style and poise still in tact over eight years on. Simplicity is a key to the duo's longevity and the way they have been able to adapt to the difficulties of the last two years. Prior to the enforced break, they were caught twice live at Maverick and Over The Hill festivals, and this was a time when they were ramping up the US tours to spread The Black Feathers name far and wide. The good news is the return to top form for Sian and Ray. The US tours are now back in full swing, both West and East coast, and they took up the invite to return to Maverick earlier this month. The icing on the cake is a new album released this month.
Now even The Black Feathers would admit they haven't exactly been prolific on the recording side over the last eight years. Although a couple of EPs and a live album kept things ticking over, the release of ANGEL DUST & CYANIDE is the true follow up to 2016's SOAKED TO THE BONE, a record bestowed with accolade and praise. It was quipped that the songs weren't road tested live enough, but tracks served on the evening such as 'Lighthouse on Fire', 'Strangers in the Dark', 'Silver Lining' and the Portishead cover 'Glory Box' sounded top notch and up to the pre-requisite Black Feathers quality. This quality standard is set by numbers like 'The Ghosts Have Eaten Well' and the aforementioned 'Down By The River'.
On the covers front, it was a case of the old and the new featuring across the pair of sets played this evening. 'Spirit in the Sky' has been a staple of the duo's sets for many years and looks like no way of budging even accruing a new story. On the other hand opening the show with Willie's 'On the Road Again' is a fresh and poignant move. Not only showcasing a great song, but symbolising the relief of musicians acting out the sentiment of the title.
On a slight downside, live music is yet free from the ravages of the last two years. Late withdrawals of the support act and sound person threw the organisers in a last minute state of panic. However a music community rallies to the cause and both were in place by the time The Black Feathers took to the stage. Additionally post-pandemic (or current, to be more precise) trepidation for a return to the previous numbers still features, although the healthy turnout at the library this evening gives heart.
Either side of the pandemic you are more likely to catch The Black Feathers in West Virginia than the West Midlands or South Carolina than South Wales, but short home tours like the current ones does open the door to new fans. Thimblemill was a mixture tonight of seasoned watchers and those taking a punt on a new name passing through town. The monthly music shows of a roots persuasion continue to form a thread of live entertainment for the library. A venue that dips into the wider arts world for other community focussed presentations. The Black Feathers joined a lengthy line of artists from both sides of the pond to get a warm Thimblemill reception and like many before they serenaded the art decor venue with blissful music that defies the norm of what generally is on offer.
PS A quick post gig blog check reveals this was the tenth Black Feathers feature since first venturing out to catch them live in 2014. Hopefully there will be ten more over the next few years.
