Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating * * * *

Delicate as bird taking its first flight across a cloudless sky or as subtle as the first whispering of a night of Prog heralded by the sound of a meaningful but floating cymbal, Acadian Driftwood sound as beautiful and peaceful as the cries of dawn against the savagery that life can throw at you but they also catapult lines of extreme dynamic potential into the mix at the same time. It is pure and overpoweringly elusive, something you can imagine holding but knowing full well that the musicians are in complete control of this dream like state.

It is in that thought of control and freedom to explore all that lays before the musician that makes listening to Acadian Driftwood so mesmerising, so cool and thoughtful, the sound, even when stripped down for the Liverpool Acoustic fans that make their way to the Baltic Social, is a groove that wouldn’t be out of place in any burgeoning Progressive Rock set or mindful experiment.

The stripped down approach on the night was captivating, flavoursome and was one that worked exceedingly well between sets by Ian Jeffs and Rob Jones and Rob White, and was one that was very much in keeping with the December filled ambience as candles flickered with each passing small movement, each slight disturbance in the air filling the room and being sifted, sorted and awakened with a roar as each of the four songs played out.

With the songs Mother’s House, Arrival, House of Cards and Rain Falling In being performed with gentleness and consuming passion, Acadian Driftwood simmered with possibilities that were burning with desire to really let loose but were controlled, tempered enough to never stray far from the objective of the evening but one that was sublime and intelligent to carry forth further demanding attention from those in the Baltic Social.

The delicate nature of the band in this stripped down affair was not without cause for celebration and regardless of whether they play in the full throws of passion or in the spotlight afforded the breath of a winter candle, Acadian Driftwood are a band to get hold of and fly with.

Ian D. Hall