MORGANWAY were introduced as “one of the best” up and coming bands in the UK as they took to the stage in Edinburgh earlier this month.

It is a bold statement: The suggestion is met with generous applause from the lively audience assembled in the intimate setting of The Voodoo Rooms – those in attendance roar and whoop in agreement. A bold statement, indeed, but it is one with some merit.

All six members of the band are gifted musicians, that is unquestioned. The band offer up a wonderful blend of country-Americana, which is pop-laden, folk-inspired and supported by a healthy does of classic rock. They are often compared to the likes of Fleetwood Mac – huge shoes to fill. But they stand on their own and have truly genuine warmth that radiates around the room.

Their second track of the evening – My Love Ain’t Gonna Save You – is quintessential Morganway. It has all the markings of an upbeat song, toe-tapping tune but with dominating vocal melodies. They move on to the very moving I See People which offers harmonies to get lost in. A performance of new track The Man was a crowd-pleaser and closely followed-up by the Fleetwood-esque Let Me Go.

They then dove into a cover of Dolly Parton’s Jolene – both well-chosen and expertly delivered. The group’s vocals were on display once again for I Want No Other Love and they showcased their ability to connect with the audience for Across the Land.

After rounding up with the big hitters – Frozen in our Time, Hurricane and London Life – the band add a bit of a sweetener. They come down from stage and play one last track in among the audience. And there they were, all stood in a circle singing along with an acoustic guitar. It was a nice touch and a classy way to end what was a captivating show.

SETLIST

Devil’s Canyon
My Love Ain’t Gonna Save You
I See People
The Man
Let Me Go
You Can Only Die Once
Jolene (Dolly Parton cover)
Above and Beyond
I Want No Other Love (For Tom)
I Take The Blame
Across the Land
Frozen in our Time
Hurricane
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London Life