The Civil Wars - Leeds Metropolitan, Leeds - 18th March 2012

Day 199 of 365

Sunday 18/3/12

Tonight was insanely good.

Spectacular. Sublime. Sensational.

All of the above and more.

The Civil Wars - Leeds Metropolitan, Leeds - 18th March 2012

After listening and blogging incessantly about the likes of The Staves and Michael Kiwanuka, trawling through numerous videos on youtube, attending a handful of gigs and avidly watching Jools Holland; I stumbled across award winning duo, The Civil Wars. What a find they were.

Consisting of John Paul White & Joy Williams, it's hard to believe the pair only met during a Nashville songwriting camp in 2008. Being in a duo was never something Williams set out to do, that's until she met John Paul. For whatever reason, the sublime duo explain, when their voices come together it becomes something they could not do alone, something much bigger than that. Every song, every lyric, every chord. It's quite clear to see they are each others opposites in everyway resulting in a magical outcome when they share the stage.

"It's much more than 1 + 1 = 2; It's simply meant to be"

Having landed perhaps the most sought after gig, the Civil Wars toured with Adele and continue to build a UK fan base, coming as no surprise following from the success of their debut album, Barton Hollow.

Released in the States, selling an astonishing 25,000 copies in its first week.

Having seen their performance on Jools Holland back in October I knew I had to go see them live. Tonight, that wish finally came true.

The support act came in the form of the wonderful Matthew & The Atlas. Having never heard them before now, it's fair to say I was blown away. Typically Mumford esque yet with their own, very unique style and oh that voice, as high as can be but yet so magical and touching, leaving the crowd in awe. Shyly walking onto the stage, the perfect opening act. With a somewhat enchanting combination of vocals and instruments from lead singer - Matthew Hegarty, Harrison Cargill on the banjo and Emma Kraemer with her violin, transporting the crowd to a magical land, far from the venue we found ourselves.

Without a doubt, one of the most exciting and upcoming folk bands.

Next, came the sensational duo.

Eager fans had forced this gig to move from the intimate setting of 'The Wardrobe' to 'Leeds Metropolitan University' to a sell out show.

Here, we all stood, crammed like sardines, with the odd grizzly moustache to rival that of John Pauls.

"What are you all doing here", Joy asks. Insanity, yet rightly so.

With an instant charm, leaving the audience enthralled as soon as they took their places.

Their captivating presence on stage showcases the duos playful chemistry, allowing a joyful upbeat atmosphere throughout. In great contrast to the deep and meaningful songs, yet the pair made every effort to allow audience participation whilst retaining an intimate feel, with their winning smiles and fun sense of humor.

At times, silence fell whilst the audience listened intently, however during the likes of 'Barton Hollow' the crowd were far from shy, with a little prompt from Williams, "You sing... I think they liked that one".

It was especially refreshing to see how humble the pair were, standing in what seemed like complete awe, shaking their heads from side to side in astonishment.

"I haven't smiled this much all week" says John Paul, met by cheers and a chorus of claps from the crowd. One of the best receptions I have ever seen a band get, especially from a city they've never come close to before.

However, it comes to me as no surprise.

With their impeccable, idyllic harmonies, playful demeanor and captivating charm. Their vocals and instrumental ability nothing short of sublime, to me, genius. I really cannot give these guys enough credit.

The entire gig was outstanding however, highlights include "I've Got This Friend", "I Want You Back" and their fabulous rendition of "Billie Jean", all of which showcased the duo's intricate vocal interplay.

Having followed them for the best part of the last year, it gave me a grin from ear to ear, a sense of pride. Finally, the recognition they deserve in my home country. This gig was the absolute dream. The one. If I could offer you any advice it would be to go out and download their debut album now.

'Barton Hollow' in stores now.

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