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Kris Drever & Eamonn Coyne

Venue: The Met
Town: Bury
Date: 20/02/14
Website: http://www.krisdrever.com

Not only a long overdue album in 'Storymap' which appeared last year, but also a long overdue return to The Met for a duo who have finally found time from their commitments, to get back on the road together again.

They made a contrasting pair as they took their places for a seated set - Drever leaning back and forth, his leg pumping in rhythm or simply foot tapping in some of the quieter moments and Coyne still and cross legged as he added his deft touches to the overall sound - but both displaying an easy humour and the necessary light hearted banter delivered in a soft Celtic brogue, which is all part and parcel of a gig which requires several between song tunings.

The stunning sound mix was apparent from the moment Kris opened his mouth on 'Beads And Feathers', the first of a couple of Sandy Wright penned songs from his terrific 2006 solo album 'Black Water.' Making his tranquil singing voice sound as though he were in a huge room, it made any vocal delivery on the night sound impressively vast and expansive.

Basing the set around the new 'Storymap' album, there were nods also to their previous 'Toot Suite' effort and of course it would be hard to ignore someone with Kris's credentials and history so there were also several sets of tunes in the set together with pieces by folk favourites Lau and a marvellous song written by the younger Drever brother (" a spooky wee cat") - 'Crown Of London' described as "a spooky little tale about someone being forced to move from one place to another at the time of the reformation." Covered on his 'Mark The Hard Earth' album, it was another choice selection from the Drever solo canon and another opportunity to show what a fine guitarist he is.

Audience requests - reels or jigs? - showed Eamonn's mischievous side of playing havoc with any attempt at a setlist, the reels getting first call and allowing him to immediately take off with some fine picking banjo. From the new album, the gentle 'Isle Of France' contrasted with the sets of marches and reels and airs and even a set of what were nothing less than hoedowns at the end of the first half.

Ending the night with Eamonn's set 'There And Back Again', the title borrowed from Bilbo Baggins yet a perfect label for a set of tunes with traditional British origins and picking up on how they had taken on slight alterations after being transported to America…before travelling back again - and admitting the tunes were "good to keep you on your toes, but I never quite play it the same." There was also a terrifically frenetic run through Boo Hewerdine's 'Harvest Gypsies' (incidentally also due at The Met in May) which really showcased what this pair can deliver big style - fingers crossed it won't be as long before the duo are together again and challenging for a Celtic 'Best Duo' recognition at the Folk Awards.

Mike Ainscoe