Three Chords and the Truth UK

“You Brits are a weird bunch.” Whether the American social media commenter had a point when viewing the Long Road line up is irrelevant. It’s just the way we do things over here. The market is smaller. An innovative approach is required to match inclusivity and viability on a scale above boutique. Since its inception in 2018, The Long Road has achieved that, fighting off the challenge of two blank pandemic-stricken summers. Even over here opinions on the line up will spark conflict: not enough Nashville ‘A’ listers, too many hat and sparkle acts, who’s that Americana no-name who we’ve never heard of attracting only a dozen to their set.  It is tough to take an holistic view of a festival. Multi artist and activity events are different for each attendee. If you can reflect in the aftermath that Long Road worked for you, then an impossible job for the lofty ambitions of the organisers has worked.  The polar opposites of Long Road attendees are music nerds savouring every lyric, ...

  www.thepleasuresmusic.com The Pleasures are a three-piece band from Australia comprising of a trio of talented musicians in their own right. For nights like this a bassist extends the line up to four as opening act Riley Catherall expanded his repertoire to the rhythm section. Lachlan Bryan (widely known in the UK as the front person of his Wildes band) and Catherine Britt (lesser known in the UK but an esteemed international country artist for several years) front this recently formed combo with all round musician Brad Bergen adding the drums. Following a debut album release in 2023, the band have made a couple of visits to the UK this summer (no mean feat from Down Under) to promote their music culminating with a prestigious slot at Shrewsbury Folk Festival over the Bank Holiday weekend. This Kitchen Garden date was a handy insertion on the eve of the festival appearance in nearby Shropshire, and a venue supportive of Lachlan Bryan's music in the past. A freshened approach led ...

  www.karenjonasmusic.com On The Rise and Fall of The Great American Kitsch Karen Jonas demonstrates a writing dexterity to unveil the latest piece of a complex album jigsaw puzzle. Simplicity flows from a sound rinsed in retro calling at all points country, rock ’n’ roll and dreamboat pop, yet dig deep and the themes explored deploy nous and a cutting rhetoric. Rampant consumerism and overstated flamboyance accrue an ironic indulgence as eleven songs and a twelfth piece of narrated prose keep the listener on their toes to where the narrative twists next.  Distinctive vocals melt into the ideals of a time honoured craft and mouthwatering musicianship expands the sonic zone. We travel to Vegas, Bristol and Hawaii with the real jewell being the perceptive and sardonic lyrics. Pink flamingoes are collected alongside quick fixes bringing things up to date with unabated satire commenting on modern trends. Conclusive summits pause for individual interpretation on a record packed ful...

  www.honeycutters.com Asheville North Carolina was memorably described by Austin Lucas as a blue oasis in a sea of red during a gig in 2016 at The Moth. It is also the home of Amanda Anne Platt who makes music beautiful in appeal while independent by nature. On The Ones That Stay she uses a raft of experience derived from seven previous feast-laden albums to reflect her current situation in a celebrated eighth.  A dozen seemingly effortlessly delivered songs gently roll along instantly finding a groove. Within the content exists serenely cultured songwriting, lushly sung and genuinely wrapped reflecting the perceptive poise of the lyrics. Alongside her band the Honeycutters, always credited in the title, Platt’s time in the studio reflects a traditional way of recording with occasional reminders of minimal takes left in to add an air of authenticity.  Eleven of the select dozen are originals with the odd one out being a curve ball. The band lift ‘On the Street Where You ...

Exuberance  Enthusiasm  Engaging  Hey Dawn, a new dawn A Great Divide bridged to  a posse of music Millionaires Bar dancing  Line dancing Troupe dancing  Ugly Flowers turned beautiful. Serenaded in communal cross legged  harmony.  Mountains  Outback Medleys  The art of performing meets the art of lending  your eyes and ears. Being there,  the only place to be From a land Down Under  a scarlet clad ensemble New faces, new land A knife through the heart of pretentious reflection,  inspiring a poetic response. A difference laced with an energetic smile. A night to remember  A night shared  A night unique