The Curfew Club Presents: THE DARLING MUNDARING, GWINNY.
44 Harpur Street Bedford. Wednesday 17th February 2016.
As you may of gathered by now, The Curfew Club like to move around in their show venues. They try to search out the most unusual places to put on a gig. Tonight, we happen to be in 44 Harpur Street. Now, most of you reading this would have constantly walked past this most elegant and stylish of structural buildings in the centre of Bedford town. The history of it must be immense. Tonight, the present incumbents have thrown open their doors to The Curfew Club, for the second of it’s at present, fundraising gigs. Entry is free, but attendees are actively encouraged to put a healthy dollop of money into the many tip jars placed around the room.
This gig is held on the ground floor level, to my eyes, the room is basic in its décor. The ceiling is bare chipboard and the wires leading to the light fittings are exposed, it does look a mess, but our promoter assures me that its just perfect. The bohemian sense and overall feel is all important. With only just a few chairs to pick from, early arrivals are in pole position, as far as comfort is concerned, with space at a premium, the room fills up to full capacity, but thankfully no one apparently is turned away. With just minutes to spare and after a long train journey from Brighton, acoustic chanteuse GWINNY is first on ‘stage’ as well as her solo shows; she is also part of the folk quartet Blessem. Petite, with long dark hair, she wears a thick chunky sweater, much needed on this foul, wet evening. Gwinny is not at her most healthiest, telling us that “Student life is finding an empty packet of lozenges” especially “If you wake up with your throat on fire,” as she did this morning.
During her near hour long set, Gwinny performs a wide spectrum of self penned material and generally speaking, it is poetic in its construction. Her delivery style is downbeat, but naturally captivating. Great Stories is an instant example, “I love these days and I love these nights,” adding “How can I be bothered counting sheep?” I sense that Gwinny is amongst friends; she duly performs 26 and admits that this song is “Normally reserved for the quieter audiences, so you guys are lucky.” A transfixed audience watch her sing I Keep My Mouth Closed, My Eyes Wide Open. Rainy Days is so appropriate, we all definitely agree that, “I’m scared of being washed away.” Travelling Man is currently her latest on soundcloud. How Do You See Me is her personnel favourite from tonight. More so, as it has not been played live before in a gig setting. Before Gwinny plays Come Away With Me, she expertly and ever so deftly retunes her guitar. A hush of expectant silence falls upon the room. She softly and nervously explains that “This is where I hope the strings on my guitar don’t break” with a few gentle twists and tweaks, they thankfully do not. Further on in the set Kingswood is requested, while Fascinating Memories is the closure to an artist who proves that emotion is best placed anywhere where innocence remains untouched.
To be ever so topical, tonight at 44 Harpur Street we are full of acoustic sounds that are as raw as Donald Trumps Rhetoric! None more so than our delightful headliners THE DARLING MUNDARING. One of my favourites of this gentle genre, they have been absent from the giggin circuit for quite a while, so its good to welcome them back. A local band that I constantly keep a keen eye out for. Indeed, I remember first sighting them when they were just s duo. Now a six piece ensemble, frontwoman Crystal admits she is nervous, (very) but thanks everyone present for being so supportive. Her voice is the golden fleece, its what makes The Darling Mundaring so endearing, so unique, so believable and utterly spellbinding. Infact I would go further, tether that voice to their heart swelling songs and its an absolute no brainer the band offer up versatile musicianship. It’s constantly foot tapping and crowd engaging, their strengths lie in passion and chemistry. All skilfully augmented by chiming guitars, acoustic guitar, cajon and just as importantly Edwin’s cello. There is throughout a haunting essence which is more than enough to strip you of your cynicism and literally bathe you in a balmy reverberated reflection. Led Home is divine, Window so very catchy and hummable. The lyrics tell of “In A Room With A Blanket To Cover The Window” Hunting You Down is one of their newer songs. It features a somewhat eerie and striking opening, courtesy of cello. Chystal admits that for this one “A lyric book in front of you is handy!”
Tall Trees ends with emotion, “I’m remembering you in all kinds of ways.” Across The Sea is silky smooth, gradually building to a somewhat rolloking climax. Books is an older one, to ponder and absorb, I picture the scene, “Smoking cigarettes and watching strangers passing by” The effect on the crowd has been immense and a well deserved encore is reciprocated by an old favourite entitled Nathaniel. It sends everyone home happy, as they get soaked in the process. A word of mention must go to our sound engineer ‘Mash’ as well. Especially his use of the ‘echo’ button and fader which enhanced the evenings listening pleasure immeasurably. It was perfect for the occasion.
Review by Martin Stapleton. www.bedfordalternativemusic.co.uk