The Felice Brothers
The Globe, Cardiff

The Globe in Cardiff is that rare thing, a small live music venue, which has thrived in a suburb of Wales’capital for more than 20 years. A renowned and treasured old “flea pit” cinema for generations, The Globe has built a niche reputation and devotion from locals through its mix of quality tribute acts and the kind of music which has a devoted following without being commercial enough for arena or stadium audiences. The kind of venue where bands like The Felice Brothers, an established group for nearly two decades and hailing from The Catskills in New York state, thrill their fans.

It’s ironic that for post-war generations around the world, one of the side effects of US cultural imperialism is that we know a lot about American culture and sub cultures, sometimes more than our own. The Felice Brothers play a blend of country, folk and rock which is often called “Americana,” and their influences are plain to see and hear. Johnny Cash, Dylan, Pete Seeger and Guthrie are all there, with a splash of Cajun joie de vivre. 

But the lyrics are more Tom Waits, dark and surreal, and they share the central feature of American literature, a “picaresque” view of US society, seen from the bottom up. There’s a line in one of their songs, which sums them up: ”The song was weird, yet still they cheered.”

The band somehow balance dark depths of pessimism and cynicism from vocalist and guitarist Ian, with the lightness and joy of brother James on accordion and keyboards. Harmonising vocals from Jesske Hume add to the depth and musicality of the set. And drummer Will Lawrence makes you wish drummers were at the front in bands.

The audience know their stuff and respond loudly to highlights including Jazz On The Autobahn, The Ballad Of Lou The Welterweight, and Flowers by the Roadside from the new album, and a raucous encore with Frankie’s Gun.

But on the night Trump was re-elected as president, everyone was probably wondering what they would say. As James came on, adjusted his accordion straps, there was a moment of silence until he said: “Excuse us. We’re a bit discombobulated by a bad election result.”

Once that moment of discomfort had passed, the stories of discomfort of bizarre yet ordinary American lives unfolded in their unique style.

On tour in the UK until November 10. For more information, see: thefelicebrothers.com