Saturday 30 October 2010

The Swell Season... live, Royal Festival Hall, 26th October 2010

The Swell Season made a happy, triumphant return to London on Tuesday evening, with the large, appreciative RFH audience vociferous and adulatory from the moment they stepped onstage.



Hansard likes to mix up the set and usually throws in some unexpected covers, while respectfully playing the major hits. This time the covers were from Van Morrison, a fierce, howling, solo accoustic version  of "Astral Weeks", and later a faithful, soulful take on "Into the Mystic". Both were unexpected highlights, with Hansard both paying genuine homage to a musical ancestor, and demonstrating his own fantastic ability.

There was a relaxed atmosphere throughout, with Irglova often taking centre stage to sing her bittersweet, romantic songs. Also an interlude for violinist Colm Mac Con Iomaire's original work "Emer's Dream", and in the encore a guest appearance from alt country artist Sam Amidon.

Overall highlights were the Morrison tracks, everyone's favourite "In These Arms" and "Falling Slowly"... and all of it really. They never let you down...

Links: Setlist.fm - http://www.setlist.fm/setlist/the-swell-season/2010/festival-hall-london-england-3bd57cd8.html

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