Old Sea Brigade, The Islington, 29.01.2019

Old Sea Brigade, The Islington, 29.01.2019

Songs to warm the heart on a chilly night
4/5

‘You can go wild to this one’ Old Sea Brigade (a.k.a. Ben Cramer) says partway through his gig at The Islington on Tuesday night – ironically, as anyone who’s listened to his album ‘Ode to a Friend’ will know.  Sweet melodies, downbeat themes and liberal use of pianos and organs makes it far from the most inventive work, but the songs are strong and worked well live when stripped of the layers on the record.

Feelings that the gig might be somewhat one-paced didn’t bother the hushed and reverential crowd. Heading down onto the floor with guitarist Henry for a song ‘in the round’ was a nice touch which worked well in a small venue and added to the intimacy, and there were more than enough warm feelings to go round and keep out the cold – one to watch.

Ode to a Friend is out on Nettwork Records.
Old Sea Brigade is touring and returns to the UK in May 2019.