Oh my Days! ‘If you like Americana folk you really should check out The Hackles’

The Hackles with support Helen Wren
at Ace Space, St Nicolas Rd, Newbury
on Friday, May 24

Review by BRIAN HARRINGTON

Helen Wren is a teacher from Reading who has played open mic night at Ace Space in the past and decided to use this support slot to showcase her own compositions.

Vocally, she was at times reminiscent of Alanis Morisette and her songs, as she accompanied herself on acoustic guitar, were notable for their intelligent and interesting lyrics. Both she and The Hackles could best be described as playing contemporary Americana folk, so the combination made for a great night of music at Ace Space.

Helen opened with the excellent Cruise Control and Little Bird and included new tracks like Consider The Ravens, alongside older songs like Goodbye To The Summer Rain. She certainly has the ability to be a full time musician.

The Hackles are from Astoria, Oregon, and their current British tour is 26 days in, with just two days off.

Their musicianship is superb and their lyrics intelligent, insightful and thoughtful. They are deservedly gaining international recognition. Comprising of Luke Ydstie, Katie Claborn and Halli Anderson, their vocal harmonies are quite wonderful. Their 2019 album A Dobritch Did As A Dobritch Should’ drew media plaudits in the UK, with the Daily Express calling it "gorgeous Americana" and led to their first UK tour in 2023.

Their new album, released last year, What A Beautiful Thing I Have Made gained considerable radio airplay with Americana UK saying "The title says it all".

Opening with Oh My Days, the excellent Damn The Word, a song about miscommunications, and Peaches, they amply demonstrated just why they are gaining so much attention.

They included tracks like Making Baby Keys In The Dark, the brand new Little Red Apples and a cover of the Michael Hurley track Werewolf.

They fully deserved the much demanded encore tonight and will, I feel sure, continue to go from strength to strength.

They clearly love performing live and have a real ability to communicate with their audience. If you like Americana folk you really should check out The Hackles.

Another excellent show at Ace Space.