There’s something quite beguiling about Tom Marr (vocals, kick drum, guitar and double bass) and Joanna Brooke (vocals, guitar, ukulele and cello) of persianlovecake. It’s apparent they’re accomplished musicians and yet they perform their songs shyly. The songs seem very simple and yet mesmerise, revealing mysterious depths. The harmonies are exquisite.
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One of the evening’s highlights will see the pair return to the stage to join the headliners for a staggeringly beautiful rendition of “Lovin’s for Fools” by Sarah Siskind.
Eirwen Skye may be the perfect support act. Her songs are dynamic and interesting, involving various instruments (ukulele, recorder, “toy” percussion) and looping effects. The melodies are lovely, and the arrangements build layer on layer. “Be My Carousel” was a standout. What really impressed was Skye’s commitment to performance, all the while maintaining a relaxed and easygoing manner (no mean feat in face of technical challenges and the usual pre-headliner chatter at the Vanguard).
By the time she’d stepped down from the stage and onto the floor to sing Mississippi John Hurt’s “It Ain’t Nobody’s Business” with ukulele and without amplification, the crowd was captivated. The heartfelt finale raised expectations of a special musical evening and bathed the audience in a warm glow.
When Salta made their way to the stage they were met with rapturous applause. The Vanguard was filled to the mezzanine with Salta fans. They would not be disappointed.
Julia Jacklin and Liz Hughes are natural performers. Early on, Jacklin joked that her knees were shaking and that she’d forgotten to play a slide guitar part. “That was supposed to be my slide guitar debut,” she laughed. “It was perfect!” said Hughes.
Like folk contemporaries Bon Iver, Sharon Van Etten, Father John Misty and Mountain Man, there’s something ancient about Salta’s take on the times. Something timeless. The songs tell stories about growing up, travelling, remembering … with a mystical twist. It’s evident in the song titles themselves: “Tiger”, “Juniper”, “Freedom”, “Overlap”, “Hunter”.
The lead vocals of Jacklin and Hughes entwine and merge – sweetly, eerily. Their guitars chime. Ryan Brennan’s percussion is expressive and solid. Hughes joins him on floor tom for “Overlap”. Brennan plays a precise and biting electric guitar part, too. Rosie McKay’s bass holds it all together. She’s grinning from song to song, in her element.
A special musical evening, indeed. Word has it that Salta will soon venture overseas. The UK beckons. Don’t miss catching them live next chance you get. There’s also the EP, of course – four tracks, understated, poetic – beautifully recorded and mixed by Brennan. It’s available at www.salta.bandcamp.com.
