Chris Webb - Bank Tavern, Weds 19th February

For some time now, in a welcome oasis amongst the bustle of Broadmead, quite possibly Bristol’s smallest pub; The Bank Tavern has been a home from home to some of the city’s best up-and-coming musical talent.  With a safe capacity of just 70 this lively venue has been the perfect regular practice ground for one hugely talented 23 year old local Philosophy graduate soon to release his third album (“If Dragons Started Forest Fires.”)

A folk/pop prodigy, Chris Webb plays and curates Wednesday night sets there with guest supports of the highest order from the likes of Lonely Tourist, Mary Spender, Ellen Cox and more.  Mostly seated affairs and with a respectful crowd, Webb’s Wednesday gigs at the Bank don’t require any financial transaction and the singer can be seen working the room and thanking punters for coming along, which is a nice touch.  Alternating 30 minute sets with Tim Manning, frontman of country/Americana trio Blind River Scare we’re treated to some precision picking and well-crafted tales of everyday life.  Within the music you can hear the influence of some acoustic singer-songwriting classics (John Martyn, Nick Drake) to more contemporary alt-folk (Gomez and Josh Ritter, whom he covers well later on.)

His rather unusual guitar playing is showcased on the brilliant ‘Lost Boy.’  Using his thumb to play the rhythm by strumming the bottom three strings and picking the top three for the melody it sounds like we have a musical poltergeist in the room.  It’s a cool trick and one seldom seen that definitely helps to provide added depth.  Webb’s smooth yet powerful voice also demands attention especially when married with some knockout lyrics; “Nocturnally I’m organised and scattered in the day, by evening I’m a warrior drinking innocence away.”  Likewise, ‘Sundance’ involves some pretty swift strumming worthy of more ears.  Although the tunes are relatively simple in structure, Webb appears to have nailed the art of the catchy chorus with witty lines and the odd guitar trick; all delivered with a smile upon his face.

Now a full-time musician and with an intimate launch party on Friday, Webb has definitely progressed his sound.  New tracks ‘Keyrings’ and ‘Platforms’ certainly sound more immediate and there’s a greater more confident vocal reach than on his debut.  It’s difficult for a solo artist to stand out in a city with so much talent already at its disposal but if you see him in a support slot around town or on a Wednesday night you’ll see for yourself that the humble guitarist has the technical ability and songcraft to go far.

Best Track: Click on link below
Chris Webb - 'Lost Boy'

Kindly published by Bristol 24-7
http://www.bristol247.com/2014/02/26/review-chris-webb-bank-tavern-bristol-35170/