Karine Polwart – the Wedgewood Rooms, Live Review 2018

Karine Polwart – the Wedgewood Rooms

Things were all very civilised for Karine Polwart at the Wedgewood Rooms this evening. It was a seating only affair and even those on the way to the bar naturally formed an orderly queue.

It was also a largely acoustic set and one where the audience showed the utmost respect for the artist. In fact, Korine Polwart had the Wedgewood Rooms hanging on her every word. Both within the actual lyrics and the in-between song anecdotes.

There was to be no support act tonight either, so Karine was on stage early for the 1^st of 2 sets. Backed with her brother on guitar and the multi-talented Inge Thomson, Karine Polwart stood aside her initial instrument of choice, the harmonium. The evening was also very much a taste of traditional Scottish folk music, yet with the occasional modern twist.

We were treated to moments of reflection and stories from a Scottish upbringing. As well as the myths and legends of Scotland’s rock formations and tales of pickled mole embryos.  The moving “I Burn but I am not Consumed” started the night, with a spoken word introduction transforming into an intricate piece of beauty.

Karine Polwart – the Wedgewood Rooms

Karine Polwart

I find myself using the term beautiful a lot in music reviews. However, it’s the perfect way to sum up heartfelt songs and wonderful music. Karine Polwart is just that. Although it was also how tight the 3 piece are on stage, the subtle additions of Inge Thomson adding everything from finger piano to full on accordion. It was the knowing when to add that occasional crash of a symbol, soulful backing vocals or swipe on the Kaoss pad that pulled everything together.

That, of course, would all be a lost effort if it wasn’t for Karine Polwart herself. As such the Wedgewood Rooms gig continued to be a masterpiece in performance, songwriting and storytelling. In fact, it wasn’t just down to her own tunes either. The penultimate track from set 1 was an emotional rendition of “Swim until you can’t see the Land” by Frightened Rabbit.  Dedicated in tribute to the bands’ singer/guitarist Scott Hutchison (RIP).

The first song after the break would then be the mesmerizing “Ophelia”,  from new release “Laws of Motion”. The album itself focussing on moments of political standpoints and environmental/social issues.

Karine Polwart – Laws of Motion

Karine Polwart

It was noticeable too, that the Scottish singer has a love of nature and her surroundings in general. Several songs about the area she lives, or has previously passed through, as well as tracks such as “The Robin” being poetically descriptive.

There was, however, also time for a more light-hearted moment in the form of another cover. That tune, rather unexpectedly, being “Video Killed the Radio Star” by the Buggles. It kind of worked too, albeit slightly tongue in cheek.

It wasn’t to be the last song of the night though, that was left to another bird-related song in “Follow the Heron”. The Scottish vocals and fantastic musicianship between friends and family being triumphant throughout.  As for the rest of the trio’s tour, there’s still a couple more weeks to catch them live on the road.

Karine Polwart – “Laws of Motion” Out Now

Karine Polwart – “Laws of Motion”