Acoustic Set - Idlewild,Reeve Live Review @ Academy [1, 2, 3 and Club Academy] (Manchester) - 22 Jan 2005

Acoustic Set - Idlewild,Reeve Live Review @ Academy [1, 2, 3 and Club Academy] (Manchester) - 22 Jan 2005

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Live Review

The uplifting Scottish trio Reeve opened this night of alluring acoustic entertainment with a thrilling and humble foray into humanity, as the talented singing fiddler Jenny Reeve (also of Eva) soothed souls with her comforting yet authoritative Kate Bush repressing the impulses of P.J. Harvey vocal range. She graced the rustically decorated stage featuring lampshades and an old piano with the down to earth mystery and poise of an actor in a Harold Pinter play. Her if at time times uncomfortable, but entertaining betwixt song banter emphasized the fact that she and her counterparts live through music, as they emphatically substantiated the view the music can make anyone feel composed and comfortable at all times.

For those wowed by Reeve's soothing stage presence and warm soulful music, it would be music to their ears to see Jenny return to the stage, this time joined by Roddie Woomble and company, adding to the acoustic and Celtic feel of tonight's set. Gathered around the stage area as though gathered around a campfire for a singsong, the band created an intimate and warm atmosphere for the whole crowd, as though they were playing to you in your own living room.

The intimate atmosphere was not the only homely feel, as the stage décor consisted of a highland style living room, with low glowing lamps, traditional furniture, and free-flowing wine, the only thing missing was dust on the wine bottles, oh and a fire. Woomble stood before the band and the crowd, standing up throughout as though he was the first to provide the entertainment at the campfire gathering, opening the night with the acoustically suited and heart-warming rendition of "When I Argue I See Shapes."

Ambling around like our very own Bez (whom they later paid homage to as rightful winner of Celebrity Big Brother,) the expressive front man provided fun filled banter and sarcastic wit, as he shared stories of his brick layer style trousers. The usually frenetic "You Held The World In Your Arms Tonight," was cleverly re-worked using lush acoustic guitars and strings to suit the mood without losing the catchy backing tune that we all know and love. The warm wave washing over the room continued, for new songs "Disconnected" and the heartfelt and melodic "Love Steals Us From Loneliness," the first single from the upcoming album, which teasingly remains to be seen whether it is acoustic or electric. Rousing versions of "Live In A Hiding Place" and "American English" meant it was back to old favourites, and both were beautifully done, creating a strong sing along moment to add to the intimate environment, before it was time to say "Goodnight" in a heart-warming acoustic manner.

Look out for Idlewild on their full band tour, where you will hear them as you know and love, in a town near you.

David Adair & Katherine Tomlinson

Gigs

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