Live Review: Ben Salter, Junk Horses, Wayward Breed

The Workers Club is usually warm and inviting, but on the night of Ben Salter's European Vacation Tour, fairy lights adorn the bandroom, making it downright beautiful. The gig is in support of Salter's European Vacation EP, which is doubling as a farewell tour before he leaves for Europe (again).

“Sweet gothic folk” outfit Wayward Breed kick off the night with adequate, indie-folk songs. The music isn't bad but, in the same stroke, it's neither groundbreaking nor particularly inspiring. Junk Horses, on the other hand, bring a gritty, riotous intensity to the stage, complete with fun guitar solos and growly lady vocals courtesy of lead singer Kate Alexander. They've got a real energy about them, with punchy tunes that feel too well behaved to be full-on punk, but too edgy to be straight-up rock. The only area they're let down in is during the time in between songs, where the awkward silences are punctuated by a few awkward attempts at crowd interaction.

Ben Salter arrives on stage in a very understated manner, introducing himself with a quiet, “We can start now if you like?” Beginning with Not Today, he makes his way through a large chunk of repertoire, including tracks from The Cat, European Vacation and some as-yet-unreleased songs. The singer-guitarist is accomplished for sure but, without any accompaniment, his live set is much more languid than the recorded counterparts, drifting rather than driving along. Songs such as The Cat, which benefit from a forceful rhythm section, are still beautiful in their own way but feel somewhat directionless. West End Girls and Semi Pro Gamer have the same issue – there's nothing bad about them per se, but inviting even one or two band members onstage to bolster Salter's voice and guitar would make the live show that much more interesting. For a few songs, it's okay, but the guitar-voice combo gets a little tiresome in an hour-plus set.

Still, Salter succeeds where some other bands do not: even though he's softly spoken, he commands attention with his between-song banter. He talks about Europe, about friends, his new songs and his tour, plus the fact that he's making the set up as he goes along. Often mournful, occasionally hopeful and always heartfelt, Salter's live performances are something to watch out for if you enjoy indie-pop folk. But you'll have to wait until he gets back from Europe.