Hudson Taylor, The Riverside, Newcastle

At Musos’ Guide we’re fans of all types of music and this evening is no different. Arriving early we’re there in time for tonight’s second band Southern, a brother and sister duo hailing from Ireland. We’re noticing a distinct theme of Irish siblings on the bill tonight, as Hudson Taylor are also brothers.

Southern are fairly inoffensive, with their Americana-infused folk-pop, it's pleasant if not a little contrived and clichéd. That said there is little at fault here, they’re both excellent musicians and the band are tight it just lacks a little in originality.

Successful in this evening's aim in warming the crowd up, Southern exit and following an almost instantaneous changeover, Hudson Taylor take to the stage; a huge ‘HT’ emblazoned behind them in bright lights, this packed crowd goes wild for the two brothers who are still yet to release an album.

With their debut release not due until the 30th of March, this year is set to be huge for the band. This almost seems like a final hurrah around the smaller venue circuit, as they prepare for much bigger things, allowing us to slip firmly in to the mindset that this is quickly going to become one of those “I was there” moments.

It’s quite clear to see that the crowd have a divided interest with many favouring one brother over the other. Alfie seems to be the more popular of the two, as he swaggers around the stage, as Harry plays a more laid-back roll, though both are excellent musicians.

Their set packed with energy, their style easily likened to Mumford and Sons and the like. There are a number of tracks that pique our interest throughout the evening; the obvious being ‘Battles’, its Americana-infused folk vibe enough to make anyone at least tap their feet.

Similarly ‘Weapons’ tones the set down a little but this allows their excellent song writing skills, the composition of the track is beautiful. It goes some way to highlight the intensity of the lyrics, almost uncharacteristically in a set so packed with energy. Part of us wishes the whole set was like this as Alfie and Harry’s talents are exposed and the power of that tops any overzealous folk pop.

At complete odds with ‘Weapons’ is ‘Chasing Rubies’ which provokes a huge crowd reaction. And rightly so. This track to us has a bit of both Hudson Taylor’s dual facets. Yet to us also, there is a little something lacking. We’re sure it melted every single heart in tonight’s audience but we preferred the more stripped back elements on offer.

It’s plain to see from the outset, that these guys are fast on the up, and small venues are soon to be a thing of the past. ‘Chasing Rubies’ is bound to become a festival anthem this summer, we’re positive you’ll hear it throughout the campsites of the mud stricken festival landscapes. We may not be completely sold on these guys, but we can certainly see their great points.