After a short but beautiful set by local talent, Hannah Whitehall, Dave House entertains the handful of people gathered in front of the stage with his Billy Bragg-esque punk folk musings. Rattling through a set that includes All D’s No Future, Shiver and set highlight Weeknights and Weekends, with in between song banter that is worth the admission fee alone, House leaves the audience feeling satisfied as they wait patiently for tonight’s headliner to appear.

As Jenny Owen Youngs takes to the stage, the room is suddenly a lot more cramped as people float in to catch a glimpse of one of New Jersey’s finest singer/songwriters. The crowd stand silently as Youngs begins her set filled with understated intensity right from the off. Playing a mixture of punchy, upbeat songs and slower, more soulful numbers keeps the audience engaged throughout, allowing the beauty of songs such as Voice on Tape and Drinking Song to raise hairs on the backs of necks and goose bumps on arms. In between songs, Youngs makes fun both of herself and the audience in a way that is more endearing than annoying, and also creates a greater atmosphere of intimacy in the small pub back room. Throughout the whole performance Youngs’ personality shines through, and with set highlights of Fuck Was I and a fabulous reinterpretation of Nelly’s Hot in Herre, makes for a very rewarding night out.

Writer: Rhian Daly

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