Trembling Bells/Bonnie Prince Billy 3/5/2012

I had seen Trembling Bells supporting Bonnie Prince Billy before but now they are collaborating with him as vocalist along with normal vocal lead, Lavinia Blackwell. Trinity Centre in Bristol was a new venue for me but I shan't be going back. Apart from a typical problem of such venues of audience chatter there was also the ridiculous process of searching customers before they enter. This is a folk gig.......... The support was not really as advertised, Muldoon's Picnic, but two members of same augmented by members of the Trembling Bells. The set was acapello harmony singing of songs from around the world and through the ages. I didn't really take to this set save for a Bulgarian children's song that had a bit of energy about it. For the first hour or so the main set was mainly new stuff and the sound was dense and compelling with Lavinia pretty much full time on the keyboards and some great drumming from Alex Neilsen. I love Bonnie Prince Billy's vocals even though his voice is not that spectacular and it goes without saying that Lavinia's singing is brilliant. The two combined beautifully. After a stirring version of 'I made a date(with an open vein)' the music seemed to become less dense and there were some tracks more of a vocal + backing style. 'New Years Eve's The Lonliest Night of the Year' was memorable and I particularly enjoyed the Merle Haggard cover and 'Love is a Velvet Noose'. All in all an excellent gig with a lot of new material which I enjoyed despite the venue.