I had heard reports recently that the band were playing quite a different set, and not having seen them since the spring tour of 2004, I awaited with eager anticipation. Furthermore, the band had just released a new album (Bloody Men) so there would be a chance for me to hear a "live preview " of some of that. Also, this was the first night of the tour. Would we be amused by a few rough edges as the band settle down with the new material? Knowing this band, any "mistakes"would be handled so professionally, they really wouldn't matter. They are only human after all. 

Well, we weren't disappointed in any respect. The Anvil , seating about 1400, was virtually full, and the audience were enthusiastic enough to give the band a good start to the tour. 

Set one started with a nice touch , as the stage darkened, still no sign of the band, and then the sound of Ken's guitar playing the opening chords of Long Lankin. The band then emerged from the darkness. This was a surprising song to start with, but as it builds to a climax, you realise it is a good choice, as the different instruments and voices are introduced in turn. 

Peter then welcomes us to the gig by saying we should make the most of the first "Oldie", as the rest of the material will be much newer ! He then picks up an acoustic guitar (yes !) and the band play "Lord Elgin" from the new album. This song really rolls along, in contrast to the next one , "Demon of the Well" which has a dark "Long Lankin" atmosphere of menace, as the title suggests. The brooding tones are underlined by Ken's Resonator guitar, exchanging licks with Peter's demonic sounding "Octave"  violin. I'd never seen either of these instruments before, but what an effect! 

Then we are treated to "Let her go Down" which was received with rapturous applause even before it had started ! Ken's solo during this song is one of the highlights for me. More new material with an accapella "Who's the Fool Now" , which includes Liam singing from the drum stool. Maddy semi-apologises for the next two songs "In the Bleak Midwinter" and "Today In Bethlehem" saying it's a bit early for Christmas music, but I'm glad they were included, especially as "Bethlehem" with its dance-like rhythm is one of my favourites from the "Winter" album. 

Rick then introduces "Edward" from the "Back in Line " album. Before he takes the lead vocal he comments what a high voice Bob Johnson must have had (but that was 20 years ago , Rick !) The first set ends with the raucous, loud and rather rude"Bonny Black Hare". It struck me that Peter's "Octave " violin sounds very much like a wailing electric guitar. 

Set two goes straight into the 5 songs that make up the Luddite suite (my words) that make up part of the new album. "The First  House in Connaught" is the only instrumental of the set, and is played with both Maddy and Peter sitting down ! But I think I detected the biggest applause for this reel (or is it a jig ?), showing the audience's enduring appreciation of this band playing traditional dance music.

 "Unconquered Sun" follows, and this I think shows the strength of Ken Nicol's song-writing. The words and music capture so well the theme of the winter solstice. 

Then we have two more new songs, "The Dreamer and the Widow" and "the Three Sisters". The latter is very rocky and great fun to listen to, and presumably to play, as at the end, Peter says "shall we play that one again? " If only ! 

Maddy introduces "Royal Forrester" ,and then nothing happens. "Who starts this one ?" she asks her fellow musicians, then Liam kicks off with the beat. What a laugh ! 

This marks the end of the set, but the band are soon back with the first encore. "The Song Will Remain" comes first, then the rather more joyful "First Nowell". Off they go again, and then back for the very last song........"Gaudete".  As the band finally leave the stage, Peter thanks the audience for giving the band such a good start to the tour. It's nice that he sees the evening as a two -way process  , and that we are not taken for granted . 

What , no "Hat" ? Indeed, the perennial hit was missing , and I can't say I really missed it. I think it's a brave move for the band to leave it out, but I think the time is right. Their audience no longer come to hear the "hits", but are just glad to see how this band has progressed and matured , especially as Ken Nicol settles in , and brings new material. If tonight's performance is anything to go by , the audience will continue to buy the albums , and come to hear this band, as long as they are around . Long may they continue! Geoff