Winchester folk-quartet Polly & The Billets Doux graced York venue Stereo on the return leg of their UK Tour promoting their critically acclaimed debut album Fiction, Half-
Truths & Downright Lies. They were supported by local duet According to Eve and York University band, Taming the Savage.
According to Eve really were a joy to watch, Tim Downie’s intelligent guitar-playing complemented well the powerful voice of Eve Maule-Cole. Taming the Savage, having taken a break from the local music scene to focus on studies, were back on top form; the song ‘Take Off Your Shackles’ played with a string accompaniment being a particular highlight.
Then it was time for the headline act to take to the stage. After building up a rapport with the crowd, Polly telling tales of forgotten tent pegs, the band’s performance of ‘Cry Cry’ endeared them to an audience that was growing ever tipsier thanks to a rapid drumbeat and vocals reminiscent of Fleetwood Mac’s Stevie Nicks.
A particular highlight of the set was the melodic ‘Sycamore Ships’, the smoky quality of Polly’s voice being complemented by quiet yet potent backing vocals and subtle, fast-paced guitar.
However, the best was yet to come as they ended on their cover of The Animals’ classic, ‘The House of the Rising Sun’. The length of this song permitted the lead guitarist to truly showcase his talents with several ridiculous solos that encouraged the crowd to form a circle and start the kind of dancing I have only really seen just after midnight on New Year’s Day.
From this performance, I can see why Polly & The Billets Doux have secured a support spot with Fun Loving Criminals in the past and I’m sure they will continue to add more fans to their impressive following in the coming months.
