Standing in for larger-than-life Curtis Eller is a tough role, but rising stars, Big Tent and the Gypsy Lantern, proved more than equal to the task. A difficult band to categorise, even the band members themselves were loss to explain their influences. The core of the sound came from talented young percussionist, George Kirkham, working around the cahon (a sort of wooden drum), and the insistent mixed rhythms of singer-strummer-accordionist, Tom Lenthorn, and the singer-guitarist, Paul Norman, with perfect interjections from trumpet player, Danny Smith. However, over this sparkling mix, a cascade of vocal harmonies poured through each song. A shared heritage with bands such as The Old Dance School and Hope & Social was evident in a mix of atmospheric rhythm-shifting soundscapes and open-hearted, intimate songs, but the whole was much more then is considerable parts, and sizeable audience was won over by the enthusiastic dynamism of this bunch. The band too, are obviously excited by the potential opportunities provided by their musical meeting. Local audiences will not have to wait long to get another chance to hear them in action – they will be one of the stars of the show at this year’s Big Boulder Festival on 8th September where they will be playing material from their recently launched debut album, ‘Richest Man Today’.
Support was provided by local band, The Hungarian Lanterns, who dispensed a perfect handful of wistful, bittersweet songs with memorable hook lines, and an edge that suggested a busier gigging schedule.
