Monday 15th December 2008 @ Thekla, Bristol
With Support From: Baby Skins

After having enough mince pies to make Mr. Kipling proud, my friends and I headed out to the Thekla to see Herman Dune. I have always been into the anti-folk scene ever since I first heard Herman Dune on backing vocals for Kimya Dawson and their songs have always reminded me of the soothing style lyrics of Jack Johnson, the image of Frank Turner and musicianship of Ray Lamontagne.

The support act was New York based female duo Baby Skins with their soft harmonising vocals. Musically I failed to see their charm and they produced what could possibly be the most comical scenario I’ve found myself in ages….mid-set they broke into a never ending tap dance. I felt like a proud parent at a nativity; however these girls didn’t seem too bothered if the crowd liked their music or not, they were having fun!

The venue filled up as Herman Dune took to the stage. The French duo over their near 10 year existence have had a rotating line up and tonight are made up of permanent members David-Ivar and drummer Néman, joined on backing vocals by Baby Skins, two trumpet players and an extra guitarist. David states in broken English; “If this boat sinks tonight, some of us would survive, but only the lovers,” as they break straight into Lovers Are Waterproof.

Technical difficulties aside, they play crowd favourite Wish I Could See You Soon during which, as the song hits full swing, I look around the venue and feel like I’m amongst a hundred Napoleon Dynamites dancing their novelty socks off. Next Year In Zion is absolutely mesmerising; live the trumpets add a whole new layer to the songs. Having played a near two hour set the finale leaves me smiling, the music makes me happy and I look at my friends in such a sickly way it’s like I’ve eaten a whole tin of Quality Street.

www.hermandune.com

Lucy Jones