Featuring Frank Turner & Jonah Matranga

Clwb Ifor Bach – Cardiff – 19/09/07

I can count the amount of acoustic shows I’ve been to on one hand and the amount of them I actually enjoyed on 1 finger, so it was going to be interesting to see what The Softcore Tour was going to be like.  With a line- up made up of Joshua English, Jacob Golden, Jonah Matranga and Frank Turner, what more could you want? 

Unfortunately I arrived late at a dark and busier than expected Clwb Ifor Bach but just in time for Jonah’s opening track; The System which by the reaction of the crowd was the best way to start his spell binding set, everyone’s attention fixed on a man who can engage with the crowd and make them feel as much apart of the show as he does.  Although Jonah is here to promote his new record And, we are treated to some favourites and highlights from his career so far.  As well is newer songs such as I Want You To Be My Witness, Every Mistake and the latest single So Long, Jonah takes requests from the crowd, for which he gets 70% of the crowd shouting Mother Mary and their request are met with other oldie; 14-41.  After a very intimate set that has gone down it storm, it’s over and Jonah leaves for the merch stall where he encourages fans to come chat to him.

Last up for the night is ex-Million Dead frontman Frank Turner, who has just arrived from a friends funeral but in no way does this dampen Frank’s performance tonight.  Opening with a new song which as Frank says ‘Cause I can’ starts off calmly but finishes with frank’s veins popping out his neck and spitting over those at the front.  As with Jonah’s set before Franks keeps engaging with the crowd, taking requests to which he’s met with Thatcher Fucked The Kids.  Despite the day Frank has had, he plays a blinding set including Romantic Fatigue, The Real Damage and ending with the brilliant The Ballad Of Me And My Friends.  Both acts tonight have displayed how their singer/songwriter talent can piss all over most of the acts around at the moment and that there is more to show than playing it – but making people feel a part of it! 

The Softcore Tour has been a great success so if you get the chance to get to any of the shows go along, if not try catch these guys next time around – I got a feeling these guys will be playing for a long time to come.

by Dale