It is not without a certain amount of irony that former Goth and Birthday Party member Nick Cave comes to Cambridge on the back off one of the most traditional folk themed albums of recent years.

That Goth past combined with the darker side of folk to produce the "Murder Ballads" album. Murder Ballads have been amongst one of the strongest elements of folk music, producing some of it's most enduring songs.

By taping into this rich vein, Nick, was able to able to produce that crossed over exquisitely. Including duets with the likes of Polly Harvey and Kylie further enhanced the contrast between the beauty of the song and the darkness of it's content.

Whilst Nick Cave and his various bands have played many festivals in the past, I believe that this is Mssr Cave's first folk festival. I think it will be interesting to see how he and the crowd react to each other.

Cambridge should be applauded for adopting a booking policy that allows this sort of set to occur. It should on everyone's list of events not to miss. Black eyeliner is not compulsory.

The Gallery