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Opening band 20th Century Graduates, featuring members of The Keepsakes and the now defunct Lumonics, had a great stage sound from the start, in part due to EP producer Matt Hills running the decks. The band is characterised by fresh up beat melodies, male-female harmonies and a spread of instruments ranging from melodica, keys, xylophone and a trumpet as well as a conventional rhythm section. The trumpet is integral to the sound, which is a little worrying given their trumpeter is relocating to the UK. The way the various instruments blend creates a warmyet full sound, with drummer Jeremy Lake contributing lead vocals. The melodies are light and fluffy, yet the arrangements are smart with the bass filling up background space and the melodica counter melodies bouncing off the vocals. The band simply exudes positivity – and if anything doesn’t have the reflexive or softly sarcastic bent that colours modern indie, but then again does this have to be a bad thing?

There’s little doubt over the next few months Cloud Control will impress a lot of people around the nation with sublime three or four part harmonies, intelligent song writing and a wise instrumental balance. They could, I guess, be characterised as a sorta indie-folk act with a more harmonious slant but that description doesn’t do them justice. The band possesses ridiculously gorgeous melodies and the mature harmonies or frontman Alistair Wright and synth player Heidi Lenffer are rich, thick and perfectly weighted. Lenffer tends to vary her vocal accompaniments with measured power and soft deft touches and is a major presence on stage in the way she plays off Wright.

The band’s sound is constantly full and never wanes, with nice arpeggios, soft synth lines and low choppy Hoffner-esque bass runs, while Wright’s lead vocals which have a certain early 70’s-American-folk air about them. Some of the material is even reminiscent of The Mamas & The Papas and dare I say, Peter, Paul and Mary, whilst maintaining a moderate infectious pace.

It was interesting hearing the slightly more savoury sound of Leader Cheetah after the sweet rich notes of Cloud Control. Both bands have a sweet harmonious folk element to them, but are shaped by a different texture and character, the latter a bit slower and contemplative. While the the band were energised and solid the room didn’t have the amazing vibe of their album launch earlier in the year, but then, that could be expected. Further the fact that the shows are spread over Friday and Saturday probably created a slightly smaller crowd on the first day which contributed to this.

The sound improved after the first song with Dan Crannitch’s vocals sublime in My Alibi, possibly the highlight of the night, due to the way the vocal reverb worked with the song. The backing harmonies of guitarist Dan Pash and drummer Joel Crannitch were subtle and well weighted throughout the set. The band’s new track was warm with a simple wholesome feel to it. Dianne as always was a beautiful haunting song with a meandering verse and a rich chorus, aided by Tom Spall on violin. Perhaps the track should be launched as a single and given more attention, part of a sorta rear guard marketing strategy given it’s been some months since the hype surrounding the act.

Overall the set was strong and the performance good, yet the vibe was a little demure, perhaps due to following the richer sweeter sound of Cloud Control or maybe due to a slightly thinned out crowd. Either way on balance, it was a pleasant night out for lovers of harmony laden indie folk.

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