Gig Reviews

This low-key evening was the warm up fund-raiser for this year's Moor Music Festival, which has tried for the last few years to provide an alternative to the bigger, more commercial festivals.

In these days of bigwig sponsorship deals with breweries and telecommunication companies, then this small independent festival flying a flag for all things Yorkshire (the festival takes place just outside Skipton) is surely a worthy cause.

The dastardly weather last year pretty much ruined the event for most people but with a bit of luck and this year's rather impressive line-up, it should be an affair to remember.

The evening called on a few bands on the bill to provide a precis of what's to come. It was decidedly folky in flavouring, with local singer songwriter Rosie Doonan bringing up the rear. Her lovely voice shouldn't fail to charm, and if she needed anything to help her along she also has the benefit of a ton of charisma.

Tonight's headliner is the Gary Stewart Band. Gary's laconic, pop-tinged folk is reminiscent of Belle & Sebastian: straightforward, unpretentious and full of lovely hooks. Nothing strictly groundbreaking but then again, when something is done so competently then it's satisfying enough.

So far, so steady. But the surprise of the evening came from the unusually-monickered Albert Ross & The Otters. They retain that quirky charm that is quintessentially British: not quite pop, not quite glam - comparisons with bands such as Roxy Music and T-Rex are probably warranted.

It's always refreshing to see something a little bit different and in short, I look forward to seeing more of them again at the festival. So, whilst this year's weather is once more left up to the hands of fate, at least there's no disputing the local talent.

Natalie Kaye saw the Moor Fest Social fundraiser on Friday 17 July 2009 at the Elbow Rooms.