Review: Oysterband acoustic show - Catshill Social Club, Meadow Road, Catshill

THERE is nothing as cool as folk.

And there is nothing as cool as being treated to a night of brilliant music at Bromsgrove Folk Club featuring top folk act Oysterband acoustic.

In a packed room, resident band Fairfield took to the stage with their witty banter and folk songs. This was followed by Oysterband acoustic support act Dan Donnelly. He wowed the crowd with his musical talent and almost Damien Rice like, songs. Originally from Belfast now lives in Brooklyn, New York. Armed with his guitar he proved he was far more than a supporting act when he sang a host of beautiful songs, winning many new fans in the room.

The main act of the night came on to raptuous applause and started with new song Over the Water from Meet You There, their new album which is the first studio album in the past five years.

This was followed by other new songs from the same album including Walking Down the Road with You, Bury Me Standing and Where the World Divides - which they say is near enough to the title track of the new CD.

This band had the audience dancing in the aisles with their powerful songs and array of instruments.

They are used to large stages, I last saw them at Cropredy Festival, but they worked the small venue so well and even got off the stage and into the audience for one number, although getting back onto the stage proved a little harder.

It was brilliant to see heartfelt live music.

To see a band that enjoys what they do, who believe in their songs and who believe in live music that keeps the tradition of folk alive.

Oysterband celebrate their 30th anniversary this year and if age makes you better then the audiences for years to come will be in for a treat with this fine act.