The Yearlings, accompanied by drummer BJ Barker and the “best bass player” Harry Brus, treated us two hours of endearing alt-country.
With no supports to warm up the crowd, the band successfully warmed our hearts and souls on the chilly evening as they rolled through a few of their comforting tunes.
The Yearlings and co powered though their set, delivering each song with exquisite musicianship and allowing each song to wash over the audience, inducing toe-tapping and head-nodding from many. They closed the first part of their set with Black Shoes, which showcased the pair’s perfected harmonies, before claiming to need a “wee and a break”.
They returned as a duo to open the next set with an acoustic number, before playing What Becomes Of Love, All The Wandering, Soldier’s Fortune and Valley Of Souls. Finally an upbeat number was played, however it also didn’t seemed to rouse the audience from their relaxed state.
The Yearlings finished the set dedicating Breathless Eric to Chris Parkinson’s grandfather, but couldn’t leave the stage before friends began calling for an encore. The duo returned with Highway Dancing and Golden Dove to close the show, which was followed by a warm, friendly and appreciative round of applause as punters left the cosy room satisfied and warm.
Although The Yearlings didn’t quite rouse us from our relaxed slumber, maybe that wasn’t their aim, perhaps warming our souls with their rolling, alt-country tunes was enough.
