Serena Lindsay's REVIEW

Acoustic night at Vintage Bar, Market Street

Arts and music promoters Inspiral provide a tranquil night of local acoustic music to a modest crowd with the decadent backdrop of the Vintage Bar. Headlining was Tom Craven a local musician who’s acoustic roots began with The Horn’s open mike night’s three years ago. Tom provided music from his own Solo CD Ocean set for launch, as well as music from his band The Chapter (who are in the process of ‘re-structuring’), and cover versions of Slide- by the Goo Goo Dolls, and Ironic- by Alanis Morissette

Filled with love’s hyperbole Tom’s Lyrics are true to life, delivered with comfortable chord progressions yet sometimes wavering vocals. Tom’s solo music differs from that of his band The Chapter in so much that it doesn’t have what can be an over-rich blend of musical influences. However without the elaborate guitar solos and cohesion of musical talents provided by The Chapter Tom’s songs are left slightly one dimensional in need of an ingredient which isn’t so overpowering it tips the balance of his delicate and deeply poetic melodies. Tom was joined by the soft dulcet tones of Celtic sounding Sophie McCurdy for the song My Solitude With You providing what could be just the subtle complementary element he needs. Tom has an intense emotion to his vocals and most impressively provided a gutsy, strikingly powerful and original version of Alanis Morissette’s Ironic; a rare feat for a male indie acoustic performer.

Support from Kev Cook provided a refreshing contrast to Tom’s emotionally energetic set, with a more sedate, relaxed and transcendental performance on his electronic base guitar; incorporating everything from electronic chime to the rhythm of his drumming hand. The beautiful richness of kev’s hushed melancholic vocals alongside his more uplifting electronic rhythm is mesmerising. Inspiral provide ‘Acoustic Tuesdays’ In Vintage Bar every other Tuesday.

This article was created on Tuesday, 22nd April 2008.

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Inside Watford Flea 31

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