We had been looking forwards to finally seeing Iron and Wine for some time having bought their EP’s and albums since the beginning. Last album (The Shepherds Dog) was a slight disappointment compared to his earlier work, but we hadn’t expected that to spoil the night. What did ruin what should have been a perfect evening of acoustic/folk was that Sam decided to being a seven piece backing band! The large number of dull muso’s managed to murder some of the most mellow songs of the past few years to the point they were unrecognisable! Sounding more like Lynryd Skynyrd fronted by Jesus at times, it was enough to drive at least one of our party to leave the venue! The only redeeming part of the 2 hour set was when Sam (and his beard!) came back to do a few songs with just a guitar as an encore. He genuinely seemed touched when the audience sang along. Maybe if he had left the band at home, he could have heard them sing through the whole night!    

The unassuming Johnny Flynn and the Sussex Wit (including Johnny’s sister on backing vocals and fiddle) stunned the packed venue from their first song and continued to do so through their set. Incorporating the three singles Eyeless in Holloway, The Box and ending on classic Tickle Me Pink it won’t be long before they are lauded as the next big thing in acoustic/folk/rock circles. You head it here first! Try: www.myspace.com/johnnyflynn