Brighton's live music scene may attract a steady stream of international talents, but it's propped up on a network of local bands who, occasionally, are more than capable of outshining the bands they invariably end up supporting. One such giant-killing may be on the cards tonight, where Brighton's excellent Guided By Lights support Thomas Dybdahl at The Freebutt.
Up in Norway Thomas Dybdahl is one of the country's biggest pop stars, attracting huge affection for his warm-hearted but gentle folk-pop, which draws evenly from the likes of Jeff Buckley and Nick Drake. His broad-appeal is understandable: Dybdahl is as relentlessly melodic and soppy as the anodyne likes of Damien Rice or David Gray, but manages to combine his low-key classicism with rather more charm. Today's gig at the Freebutt, if Dybdahl's previous UK shows is anything to go by, will have the same celebratory warmth, for his UK fans seem to replicate his countryman's enthusiasm.
Guided By Lights aren't dramatically dissimilar in terms of their musical palette - here too we find acoustic guitars, violins and delicate folk-pop. But there's something more ambitious and unconventional going on here - there's a hint of The Cure's Robert Smith in Adam Bones's hiccupy, skittering vocals, and the juxtaposition of his odd, appealing vocals with the clever, Pogues-tinged arrangements are really pleasing. They sound, unlike Thomas Dybdahl, like they've been through the wringer a few times, and have come out tuneful, rich, but somehow wonky. In short, I think they're worth a look.
Here's a sample:
This time next year by guidedbylights
Guided By Lights - and Thomas Dybahl - play The Freebutt tonight. Tickets are £7 and doors open at 7.30pm.
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