Shovels & Rope

Monday 6th February. Islington Assembly Hall. Shovels and Rope. After North Carolina’s Mandolin Orange taking the stage on Saturday its South Carolina‘s turn tonight with husband and wife Michael Trent and Cary Ann Hearst. Again it’s a two piece male female partnership and whilst both bands roots are country, Shovels and Rope certainly put a harder rock feel to it.

First up though it’s a support set from the Matthew Logan Vasquez, leader of the brilliant Delta Spirit. With a pick up band of Glen and Gary who he only met at sound check they rattled through a 30 minute set. It was the classic combination of wailing guitar and Vasquez extraordinary voice. There was even time for a ‘Middle Brother’ song from the short lived supergroup. The perfect starter for the main course.

It’s hard not to describe them as a country rocking White Stripes such is the intensity of the electric guitar drum combination. To describe either as a drummer is doing both a disservice. They alternate between guitar and a drum set up that has a bass, a snare for one hand and the other hand is used to play a mini keyboard.

Vocals are shared between the two and often both take the lead, their voices complementing each other with Trent’s throaty pitch dovetailing with Hearst’s traditional female country twang albeit belted out full bore for the whole show.

They joked that the main souvenir that they bring back from Europe is heavy colds and you can tell Trent is suffering between songs but his performance was no less diminished by this. Lesser players would have bailed.

It’s a ninety minute treat of the finest hard rocking country by two talented musicians. Their intensity and connection can only come from being husband and wife and you sometimes felt you had gate crashed an intimate moment but we were grateful that they shared this with us.

‘St Ann’s Parade’ and ‘Hail Hail’ were highlights for me in a set full of them. They served their state well and matched everything that the North has thrown at them recently.

A great night and keep on country rockin y’all

There is a scattering of applause as husband and wife Michael Trent and Cary Ann Hearst step onto the open, outdoor stage. Each armed with a guitar and microphone, the two thank the crowd for coming, then launch into their music. Their voices meld beautifully in sonorous, country rock songs. Both are skilled guitar players, and their talent shows as they strum a series of complex and complementary chords. Michael Trent also does percussion with his feet. The crowd cheer enthusiastically as they finish the song, and calls for encores are happily met with more music. Michael Trent and Cary Ann Hearst play a mixture of country rock, folk, punk rock, and rock and roll music. The American duo from South Carolina formed Shovels & Rope in 2008, and released their first album, Shovels & Rope, that same year. Their second album, O' Be Joyful, was released in 2012 and was ranked No. 1 on Billboard's US Heat Chart. Their third and most recent album, Swimmin' Time, was released in 2014. They have also released a single, “The Devil Is All Around”, and a music video, “Birmingham”. Shovels & Rope put on a great performance. Trent and Hearst connect with the audience, talking to them throughout the show and encouraging them to participate, and their friendly personalities coupled with their excellent music make for a good night.

The beginning of the set was pleasantly heavy on more of the bands better known songs. After opening up with "Keeper," the duo played a strand of tunes with no breaks, including two of the strongest tracks off the new record with "Bridge on Fire" and "The Devil is All Around."

The later of those tunes best shows off the incredible vocals of Hearst. While the pair mainly harmonize together on all songs, this is one where the female excels with propelling her voice past the appropriate background vocals of Trent. She really had the ability to captivate the room.

The second half of the show was much of the same, with the bands two most popular songs coming at the close of the set - debut self titled track "O' Be Joyful" and lead single "Birmingham." The crowd cheered on as the pair played a quick encore after departing the stage briefly.

Overall, it was a very strong show, especially for just two musicians being in the band. One recommendation I would make though is that the show was a bit long. I would estimate the group played close to, if not more than 20 songs, and I could tell towards the end that the crowd was getting a bit restless. So shorten the setlist a bit and keep the audience wanting more!

But good show for any folk / Americana fan.

Great, lively duo with high harmonies that tear at your soul! Funny and self-deprecating, halfway through their show Carrie Ann paused for a moment "to introduce the band," which is funny because you've already realized that, hard as it is to believe, all of that sound is coming out of just the two of them--the guitars, harmonica, drums, piano, keyboards and vocal harmonies are JUST THEM: Shovels & Rope. They are amazing! I had waited for years to see them and they did not disappoint! Do yourself a favor and go see & hear them when they come anywhere close to YOUR town!

After dealing with the payback.of a late night yesterday I clamber into bed tonight hazey and wrapped up in the knowledge that I got to see this amazing duo do there thing in a gig that was every bit as exciting as I would have hoped and wanted - they seem content in the chaotic sparkle that they ignite ... Listening to their recorded music will be a again new experience with their performance painted colourfully and blissfully through my mind.... Come back soon as you like!

#Shovels&Rope

The hardest working couple in show biz: I never miss a chance to see this duo. They make great music together, and live, their energy, enthusiasm and love are all on display in full color and sound. It is awesome. As someone who works with their spouse every day in a joint venture, I find S&R inspiring. They remind me that we are supposed to be having fun with each other, and that pursuing your dreams is worth some sacrifice. Not bad for the cost of a concert ticket!

This concert was overwhelming, but not in a good way. I expected high energy, clever lyrics, great harmonies, and interesting instrumentals. The energy was high, all right, but the first several songs were loud and electric with bright lights flashing behind them. I couldn't catch a single word. Left after five numbers. Went home to listen to my Shovels & Rope CDs.

If I want too-loud and spotlights shone in my face I'll go see Keith Urban or Metallica.

These two are raising the bar they already set very high. They are multi-talented, serious, and funny. Write and tell great stories, and manage to play multiple instruments each, while singing. Oh, and they are raising a 3 year old on the road. High energy and on the rise. Love them and see them every chance i get.

Incredible performance! One of the most unique duo's ever...spot on vocals...tight musical excution...brilliant song writting! And the intimacy on stage make for a bad ass show. I highly reccomend that you see Shovel and Rope when they cone to your area.
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Great show from what is a very talented and entertaining duo. Looking forward to the release of their follow-up album that they teased a couple of tracks from during the show. Already eager to see them perform live again soon.