Porchfield Village Hall.  Possibly not the first choice of many for a great night out, but we had been tempted by the second Winterfylleth held there, particularly as one of our favourite local bands Beachcomber were on the bill.  Squeezed into this tiny venue more used to hosting “tea and chat” and short mat bowls, we watched a variety of acts of, erm, varying quality.  Highlights were Beachcomber and Bloodstone Border Morris.  By the time the last act were about to come on stage we were thinking about calling it a night, as we had children to pick up and are too old for late nights (anything beyond about nine o’clock….) but had decided to hang on.  At this point a group of young people started assembling instruments.  The youngest looked about twelve (though that may reflect more on my age than his) and the rest looked barely old enough to vote.  We thought we were in for some newly formed “band” trying to muddle through an early performance while still not having really figured out how playing together worked.

Then they started playing.

Wow.

The first few chords were enough to know these guys could play, and the rest of the set just continued to demonstrate this.  They managed a huge, full sound, perfect timing, stunning energy, well written songs and you felt they were hugely enjoying themselves and this was seriously infectious.   They played a mixture of their own songs and traditional folk songs, with something of a leaning towards shanties!  They use the word “raucous” on one web page describing themselves, and this is a well chosen word.  We’d been to the Bristol Folk Festival earlier in the year and these guys could easily have been a mainstage act there and held there own.

Fortunately they were selling their album at the gig, so we bought a copy, and have just downloaded an EP they have recorded since.  Our youngest reviewer, Jonathan (aged 9) has declared the Sail Pattern to be his favourite band and plays the album at any opportunity.  The recording lacks the polish of a professionally recording, but the stunning sound of the band still comes through.  So, we would strongly recommend the album, but if you can catch The Sail Pattern live, don’t pass the opportunity up.

Visit The Sail Pattern’s website, facebook page, Soundcloud or Bandcamp page for more info or to have a listen.

We had heard some Mumford and Sons on the radio and really liked what we heard, so we ordered their debut album Sigh No More.  It has not disappointed.  I’ve heard it described as nu-folk, folk/bluegrass and various other things.  Think folk, but not the morris dancing kind (nothing against that, but not in my CD player) and you are starting to get there.  Best off go and listen to some samples on the Amazon site.  My only word of caution is that one track makes very extensive and crystal clear use of the “F word”.  I don’t find it objectionable personally, as in the context a strong word is appropriate, and alternatives don’t convey the same feeling.  I don’t really want my 8 year old singing it though. Which makes me a hypocrite probably, but I have been called worse.  Next purchase will be a download of the radio edit.