Gig Review: A Different Thread - Kitchen Garden, Kings Heath, Birmingham. Thurdsay 29th October 2026
Transatlantic duo A Different Thread reached the penultimate stop of a hectic October UK tour with a show in a place and area that has been kind to them in the past. Prior to a successful reunion in North Carolina, the English Midlands was one of the locations for the transient relationship between Alicia Best and Robert Jackson. The Kitchen Garden has been supportive, hosting shows and scheduling at festivals, while local radio has been a loyal advocate through airplay. The scene was set for a return to catch up with familiar faces, this time in proud possession of a current album that upped the ante of this industrious and innovative roots act.
The narrative behind A Different Thread’s near decade existence is well-documented and a sign of the times where movement between lands is impaired. You could be in novella territory or a short indie b-movie script charting the journey to where we are today. The soundtrack could easily be the latest record, which proved the centrepiece of this warmly received show. Over Again not only cherishes the current situation of the pair settling in their own home but maps the angst, frustration and despair afflicting the journey. It wouldn’t be a 2026 folk-Americana album without reference to uncertain times. All that filtered into this Birmingham show, underpinned by A Different Thread’s mission - to make the world a better place in terms of the shared music experience.
During an evening of hearty communal singing, enjoyment from a raft of catchy songs and a cosy alignment with the motives of Best and Jackson, you were left treasuring the connective nature of live intimate music. Occasionally, the Kitchen Garden host artists who can’t read the room, A Different Thread acutely read the mind of each audience member (in a reasonable turnout) to turn the gig into wealth of 360 degree interaction.
Among the many stories attached to the evening, the history behind third band member Mike Seal filled the gaps. His upright bass playing added the critical dimension on stage alongside the driven guitar and harmonica playing of Jackson, Best’s minimal percussion and her delve into fiddle and a small 4-string guitar. A wide consensus is the appeal of their sumptuous harmonies, though apart the voices forge a positive trait to the music.
The set ranged the length of A Different Thread’s existence from an early song that resonated in ‘Potter’s Field’ to a brand new one hitting the streaming world in a matter of weeks The duo work hard mastering the digital stratosphere, like you have to do these days to survive, yet you sense their heart lies within the four walls of a communal gathering with music the ultimate bond. The Kitchen has an extra buzz for that frequent off-mic moment and you never tire of ‘The Parting Glass’ closing any night in such style.
The evening began with local musician Rose Williams sharing a selection of original songs alongside her husband Ant on guitar. A key act of nurturing the ecosystem of local music. Something A Different Thread likely have in their ideals, of which many are etched into the fabric of the Kitchen Garden.
