Cardinal Black with Laura Evans

CARDINAL BLACK & LAURA EVANS

THE WHITE HOUSE, ASHINGTON

Perhaps Ashington isn’t necessarily the first place you think of when it comes to live music. However, when two of the hottest names on the scene descended upon the Northumberland town, it certainly put the area on the map. On Friday evening, the White House in Ashington marked its first live show since January 2020, and what a way to return with a Welsh double header courtesy of Cardinal Black and Laura Evans. As expected, a sold-out crowd was in attendance.

Of course, Laura Evans is no stranger to the North-East of England. The artist has performed twice in the region this year, with dates at both the We Are Back Festival as well as a support slot alongside Robert Jon and The Wreck. Evans is currently touring in support of her recent album State of Mind. Several tracks from the album featured in Laura’s thoroughly enjoyable set, including Solo, a combustible rendition of Fire with Fire, and a heartfelt airing of Fool.

The artist’s country/rock influences shined through during a stunning cover of Chris Stapleton’s Arkansas. Laura’s infectious smile, engaging personality and spellbinding voice radiate throughout the proceedings. So much so that the artist closed out her set with a bit of singalong with the locals during I’m Alright. On this occasion, Laura is joined on stage by guitarist Joe Coombes. Whether Evans is performing as part of an acoustic duo or with a full band, she knocks it out of the park each time.

Laura’s fellow countrymen Cardinal Black have been making waves since their recent formation. Despite the newness of the band, three of the members of the group (Tom Hollister, Chris Buck, and Adam Roberts) have been performing together for many years. Even their online bio suggests that Cardinal Black are “the oldest new band in the world …” Newcastle show with Alter Bridge’s Myles Kennedy. With the Ashington crowd thoroughly warmed up courtesy of Laura Evans, the group takes to the stage and opens their set with their recent single Rise Up. What is immediately apparent is Hollister’s soulful voice and Buck’s emotive and atmospheric guitar playing. It’s a formidable partnership, for sure.

Besides their debut EP and a few singles, a lot of the material performed during the band’s set is very fresh. The release of the group’s debut full-length album January Came Close is imminent ( October 14th), but those in attendance at The White House got a taste of what is to come. Buck’s incendiary playing shined through during the new song Ain’t My Time, along with a standout solo during I Don’t Care. Furthermore, Hollister’s witty banter and soulful delivery entertained the audience throughout. The frontman struck a chord with the Northumberland crowd.

For the Cardinal Black fans who have been there from the beginning, all the tracks from the band’s eponymous EP featured in the set, including Jump In, Where Do You Go and Warm Love. Whilst the opening track of the EP, Tell Me How It Feels, brought the main set to a conclusion.

A three-song encore which started with an acoustic ballad performed by Hollister and Buck followed. Whilst the band very quickly changed gears with the Otis Redding/Stax tinged sounds of their new single I’m Ready. Cardinal Black brought the proceedings to a close with an epic rendition of old favourite Tied Up In Blue.

Based on this performance, all we can say is that the band’s new album is going to be worth the wait. Looking around the room, you get the feeling that the North-East audience witnessed something special. Cardinal Black’s appearance in Ashington is going to be one of those I was their gigs. What can we say – Laura Evans and Cardinal Black – now that’s a long of bang for your Buck, if you will excuse the pun.