A Sadly Low Quality Performance
US performers Low Anthem look like a pretty interesting addition to the Hard Rock Calling line-up with a mix of country, folk and good old rock tunes. The trio are all multi-instrumentalists, darting from clarinet to double bass to guitar and back, via some instruments that are entirely unrecognisable but make great sounds; their website reveals that they even play something called a “fun machine”.
Unfortunately the fun tonight is restricted by the poor sound quality in the Pepsi Max tent which makes the tunes sound totally murky and means that at some points the chatter of the crowd is clearer than the vocals. It’s a disappointment as they have some pretty songs but the tent sound system just doesn’t seem able to cope with the layers of echoing instruments and they’re unlikely to win any converts from this performance. However if you have a reasonable imagination and are able to overlook the feedback and sound problems then you’d hear some ethereal folk tunes with lilting clarinet, trumpet and breathy vocals as well as more jazzy numbers with slap double bass and rich harmonies. The trio do break out into some more traditional rock numbers with snarly vocals but it’s probably the interesting folk tunes that would make them most memorable if the conditions were right.