★★★★★
Opening the show tonight is the tremendous Dave Hause, accompanied by his brother Tim.
In previous times when touring the UK, Dave has brought along his band The Mermaid, of which Tim is a member, so having just the two of them tonight is something special.
Their set is opened with "Shaky Jesus" from newest release "Bury Me In Philly" and the crowd are instantly on board. Dave's vocals are superb and with Tim backing him on an array of instruments, ranging from mandolin to guitar to piano, their performance overall is fantastic.
"C'mon Kid" from 2011's "Resolutions" album is a highlight of the set and is followed by newer song "Divine Lorraine", after which Dave tells us how Tim learnt the mandolin in just a week in time for tour. He then engages in some brotherly banter describing Tim to the crowd as 'all cute and cuddly'.
We get a cover of Tom Petty's "I Won't Back Down", which is described by Dave as 'a hymn of one of the greatest ever, that we most recently lost' before they finish with another newer song "With You", which has everyone singing along.
Going off of tonight's performance Dave Hause could headline this venue in his own right, and hopefully will do soon.
