The War and Treaty

Thursday 11th July, Under the Bridge, London, the War and Treaty. Well this is an easy review. Astonishing, astounding, unbelievable, brilliant, superb, moving, outstanding. Do you get the picture? The War and Treaty were good, very good indeed. From the first note of the band and the first vocals from husband and wife Michael and Tanya Trotter you knew this was going to be special. Wow just wow.

On this their debut London show in front of a good crowd at Under the Bridge we are treated to a powerhouse of unrestrained country soul. Michael takes the lead on most songs with his deep voice with a remarkable range that is so powerful I’m not sure a microphone or amplification is actually required. He is superbly supported by Tanya who is also blessed with a beautiful soulful voice providing harmonies throughout and with occasional but impactful lead.

They are backed tonight with a superb six piece band who are on it from note one who all get time to shine throughout the night with a particularly strong brass section.

The set tonight draws from both of their albums, coupled with some new stuff and snippets of classic soul covers thrown in. Their own songs are in the classic storytelling style and often deeply personal affairs. One particular song being dedicated to a colleague of Michaels from the US Army who sadly took their own life. The story is painful and touching with a message of taking care of our own and being there for our friends. We are encouraged to hug our neighbour in the room which was much needed as the tears rolled down my cheeks. There have only been a handful of those moments in my over eight hundred gigs attended but this was definitely one of them. Hair tingling, lip trembling beauty and the tears were mixed of both sorrow and joy.

It would be churlish to pick a highlight but I will. It started at 9 o’clock and ended an hour and forty five minutes later with just the two outstanding performers on stage leaving us with an acapella finale.

A truly emotional and joyous night and not since the first time I saw St Paul and the Broken Bones has a band had such an impact on me. The records so not do this band any justice as live its incredible stuff. I cannot wait until they come back and I will be lobbying Emily Eavis hard to get these guys at the Park stage next year.

Till the next time keep on sweet soulful rockin y’all

They are a powerhouse duo that is not to be missed. I just emailed everyone in my contact list and told them to see their show whenever possible. Tanya's voice is reminiscent on Aretha, it can put chills on your neck. Michael's sincerity & love is infectious.

The War and Treaty are a wonderful, soulful, full of love duo that can belt out beautiful and moving songs. They have so much life between then on stage and are gracious and grateful to their audience. I highly recommend checking them out!