Rock and Pop: Smoke Fairies @ Scala
Published: 10 February, 2011
by JULIA KOUYOUMDJIAN
CRITICALLY acclaimed folk-Americanistas Smoke Fairies ended their UK tour on a high note at Scala on Thursday.
Harmonious duo Katherine Blamire and Jessica Davies, whose debut album Through Low Light and Trees was released on January 24, gave an uplifting performance with new single High Moon Rising, Hotel Room, Devil In My Mind and finale Requiem, particular highlights.
Their bluesy folk sound was complemented by strong choral vocal harmonies and a heavy drum line which was much more prominent live than on their records.
The White Stripes’ (RIP) influence easily permeated their sound – Smoke Fairies have worked with Jack White in the past.
And they sure rub shoulders with some of the UK’s most beloved musicians. Last year, they toured the US supporting Laura Marling and supplied backing vocals for Richard Hawley’s False Lights From The Land EP.
Sadly, at Scala, they played to a surprisingly sparse audience. They may be an acquired taste but those who buy the album will soon realise their sound has the depth and potential to take them to a whole new level.