Beneath the clouds appears Iron and Wine, a five-piece ensemble vehicle for the music of singer-songwriter Sam Beam. It's been a few years since Beam performed under this name in Scotland but he's welcomed almost like family by his adoring audience. Despite almost stumbling into position he appears relaxed and comfortable as he starts into mellow opener 'The Trapeze Swinger'. Performing with him are Beth Goodfellow and Eliza Hardy-Jones on percussion and keys respectively, Sebastian Steinberg on electric and double bass, and Teddy Rankin-Parker on cello, all providing vocals throughout the show.
This combination of instruments and voices is a picturesque setting for Beam's songs; his eloquent storytelling navigates listeners through yearning and regret, joy and passion, and so many feelings in between. The music alone is mesmerising, as in 'On Your Wings' and 'Lion's Mane' which Beam complains has "so many chords". He fumbles his fingers over his guitar and afterwards offers "apologies if you've been waiting a long time to hear me play that song." He appears to be enjoying himself though, laughing with Steinberg while the rest of the band take a break, and jesting with the hushed audience, saying "It's hard to concentrate when y'all are being so respectful and quiet."
