Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating 8.5/10
There is an elegance that just comes naturally with both Miles Hunt and Erica Nockalls, a sense of the Midland’s sublime that flows as vibrantly as the River Stour and is forever to be seen in both their acoustic pairing and in the wider circle of The Wonderstuff. They are a pair of musicians that just ooze quality, great stories wrapped in tremendous violin playing and angry yet serenely led guitar that at times it is possible to feel apologetic to anyone who has not come across them.
The headline act of the final night of this year’s Hope Fest to take part in District’s abundant set could only come from one of the Midland’s finest ever contributions to the music world and a pair to whom respect should not only be seen to be offered but should be heard to be done so also.
When it comes to both Miles Hunt and Erica Nockalls, the wealth of ability always captures the soul, the lyrics, entertaining, thoughtful, cruising with intent to smash down the barbarous and the unworthy, seep into the mind as easily as turning on a tap or stitching together both Liverpool and the Midlands as two places that truly appreciate their Rock music.
With songs such as Fill Her Up & Foot Down, the exquisite Friendly Company, Plans In The Sky, the much loved Welcome To The Cheap Seats, a beautifully solo acoustic rendition by Miles Hunt of Ruby Horse and Room 512 all making a sweeping entrance at District, those whose want in life to listen to music, to grab the artist’s thoughts and keep them sacred, were treated to the smiles and longing associated with such musical treats.
Music in the hands of masters will always have such nights, evenings where either a gig in the Birmingham Academy, in the River Rooms of Stourbridge or in almost every venue possible in Liverpool will and should be held dear without interruption and with honest appreciation, for Miles Hunt and Erica Nockalls’, for the pairing that comes with this wonderfully slimmed down Wonder Stuff acoustic set, music and conversation doesn’t come any more appreciated than this.
Erica Nockalls’ band EN will be performing at The Hare and Hounds in Kings Heath, Birmingham on Saturday 26th September
Ian D. Hall