THE BARR BROTHERS – 15th NOVEMBER 2017, PORTSMOUTH GUILDHALL

The Barr Brothers

With the stage set for the nights headliners, those arriving early enough had the chance to see the Barr Brothers in action. Often at larger venues such as Portsmouth Guildhall, support acts can be on too soon after doors opening with potential fans left queuing at the bar. It was however soon apparent at tonight’s show, that the Barr Brothers were about to play in front a fairly decent sized audience.

Currently on tour with the War on Drugs, Canadian brothers Andrew and Brad were joined by a full band with an intriguing set-up. Among its members were Sarah Page on harp, not an instrument you have the opportunity of seeing played live every day. Initially it was a shame then, that the gently plucked strings were very much in the background.

Although only providing a subtle addition to the country/folk sound, there was something visually refreshing about the harp. Sarah Page is a well respected musician in her own right, with a number of solo and collaborative releases under her belt.

The Barr Brothers

It is of course the Barr Brothers themselves that give the band their name, with a love of folk music and alt-country. Nice effects on the slide guitar make it slightly more complex, providing the link towards being chosen for the War on Drugs tour support.

Then as Brad Barr hummed his way through the intro for “Song That I Heard” it was to be Page that stepped up to provide backing first. The beautiful harmonies made this track come across as a traditional folk classic, rather than one penned by the band themselves.

As the brief half hour support slot came to a close, the harpist picked up a more cello-like instrument (the name of which escapes me). Backed with a distorted ukulele and the percussion of brother Andrew, the final track of the night went from medieval times to bluesy rock n roll.

For those that arrived during the last couple of minutes, they may not have fully appreciated what they missed. Great way to end the set, however those of us there for the full 30 had the pleasure of hearing what the Barr Brothers were truly about.