Thursday 09/08/07 Iron & Wine, Jeremy Warmsley @ The Spitz, London

Once again Spitz put on a great line-up choosing two talented folk acts from either side of the pond for this evening's entertainment. It’s a crying shame that this adventurous, atmospheric and popular little venue will shortly close and we urge you to send donations and offer them up a new venue right now. It’s also a shame that the talent tonight doesn't quite live up to expectations. Firstly, Jeremy Warmsley's slightly reedy voice doesn't carry the scales he puts it through- the effect is that of the slightly twee end of an open mic night- fashionable specs? Check. Kooky stance? Check. Quirky lyrics? Check. If he amped it up a bit, Graham Coxon-style, he might garner more attention but as it is eyes and attention drift away.

As if to illustrate the stereotypical divide between Britain and the States, Sam Beam arrives like a big grizzly bear- all hair and beard and more hair to counteract Jeremy's University Challenge attire. Immediately the crowd is rapt- all eyes point at him and nary a word is spoken - this is the charisma we were missing earlier. The trouble is that Iron and Wine demand a certain situation to be fully appreciated- preferably a log cabin and a winters night with a bottle of whiskey and a loved one, it just doesn’t translate well played live with a load of people standing, drinking beer.

Added to this, Sam mostly chooses to play a selection of unfamiliar songs rather than those from his popular first two albums. All of this tends to make the experience feel less special than one would've hoped. Still, there are moments of clear beauty- in the way that Leonard Cohen uses a small scale of expression but pulls out from this a huge depth of emotion, Sam Beam manages to stir deep feelings with a simple, effortless vocal line. Iron and Wine have a rare sincerity that is, by tonight’s show at least, better enjoyed at home.