Meursault Live - Woodened Barn, Banchory, 16/03/12

Meursault have always been an interesting band. I first encountered their unique brand of electronic indie-folk in Aberdeen’s Beach Ballroom, at a bizarre gig fraught with technical difficulties. Meursault soldiered on though, playing half their set onstage in all its glory, and the other half unamplified in the middle of the dancefloor surrounded by a legion of diehard fans. It was with some excitement, then, that I ventured out to Banchory’s Woodend Barn to catch them live again. The venue itself is fantastic: you simply can’t beat a lovely performance area, friendly staff game for a laugh, and a welcoming bar stocked with bespoke beverages.

First on was singer-songwriter Wounded Knee. Eschewing the indie sensibilities favoured by many of today’s songsmiths, Wounded Knee played through a set of folk classics and original compositions. Wielding a two-stringed guitar and drawing from the vast history of the Scots Bothy Ballad, Wounded Knee’s opening rendition of John Strachan’s Glenlogie set the tone for the rest of his performance: stripped down, soulful and respectful of his musical forefathers.

Mid-set, Wounded Knee was joined onstage for an impromptu jam by Meursault drummer Fraser Calder. The duo played through some classic folk tunes, including My Love Is Like A Red Red Rose and Love is Teasin’ before Wounded Knee ended his set once more on his own.

Meursault were quick to arrive on stage following Wounded Knee’s departure. Delving only once or twice into their back catalogue, the band drew mainly from their upcoming third album, Something for the Weakened. Less electronic than previous performances, Meursault put on a mesmerising, atmospheric show that enveloped the audience from start to finish. From rousing highs to tender piano-led interludes, Neil Pennycook and his cohorts pulled out all the stops for the small but enthusiastic Banchory crowd.

Tracks like Setting, Dearly Distracted and forthcoming single Dull Spark proved to be tantalising tasters of the record to come, and the audience eagerly lapped them up as the band pulled off a flawless performance. Pennycook’s haunting vocals stood out against the walls of indie-folk that the band conjured up for the best part of an hour.

Finishing their set at around 10pm with encore Mamie, it seemed like an oddly early end to such a fantastic gig. But maybe that’s just how they do things in Banchory. Whatever the reason, it certainly left the crowd wanting more, and hoping that the band will return to the North East soon.




Photos by David Lovie. Click here for the full gallery.

ES