Ardentjohn – Bull and Gate, London 30/01/10

Those expecting a homogenous line-up tonight are probably somewhat disappointed (or pleasantly surprised) when Eleven Fables take to the stage. Looking a little like the evolution of man in band form, visually they encompass the look of LA Guns, stoner rock (the bassist the spit of Pepper Keenan) and suave sophistication (singer Tim). Musically they’re unlikely to inspire those in search of acoustic whimsy, but they do happen to do a good line in anthemic rock. Initially they’re a bit of a shock to the system, and early on they struggle to find a bit of rhythm, but as they reach the mid-point of the set, neat riffs coupled with some fine vocals start to hit the target and the room warms to them. They maybe a little middle of the road for some tastes, but it’s hard to deny that they’ve got some pretty nifty pop-tinged rock tunes in their armoury.

However, tonight is all about Ardentjohn, this being their album launch after all. Despite being based in Edinburgh, this feels like a homecoming show with the venue sold-out and heaving from front to back. Even those in the bar are arching their necks in order to catch what they can from the back. They kick things off with ‘Open Road’, a jaunty and delicate folk-tinged number. On record, there’s an undeniable sense of melancholy to the song, tonight, it feels almost celebratory.

The violins that flesh out the sound of ‘On A Wire’ are absent tonight; however, in their place is a cellist who provides them with a tonality that is achingly beautiful. The band themselves are clearly revelling in their art, and their enthusiasm is transmitted to the audience who respond to each song like they’ve been blessed by a higher being. They drift towards the sound of any number of landfill indie-bands at times, but such incidents are few and far between, and are easily forgiven considering the warmth encapsulated in these wonderfully languid, enticing songs.

It could be argued that on another night Ardentjohn could stuggle to inspire such a response such is the drowsy nature of some of their songs, but tonight this is a band on fire.