Faun / Islington Assembly Hall / London

Sep 27

Sep 27 Faun / Islington Assembly Hall / London

Earlier this month, we were excited to bring you a review of German pagan folk musicians Faun’s new album “Hex”. A stunning medieval magical adventure through a realm of witches and folklore which we gave an impressive score of 9.0 to(Check out our review HERE).

We didn’t want to miss their UK tour dates and so headed down to London and the Islington Assembly Hall for what promised to be a special night.

First up on stage are Janice Burns and John Doran in support. The Anglo-Scottish guitar playing duo took to the stage to deliver a short set of folk songs from around the British Isles, with a strong foundation in storytelling including The Black Fox and one or two murder ballads along the way. Both very talented they delivered a powerful and confident set.

Next up we were in for a real treat as Ye Banished Privateers took to the stage. A folk rock band from Umeå, Sweden. Their songs are inspired by traditional Irish and Scandinavian folk music and their lyrics are mostly based on sea and piracy history from the 17th and 18th century.

A merry band of eight, all beautifully dressed as pirates, as soon as they piped up, the atmosphere changed from London music hall to 18th century Caribbean drinking den !

Their energy was incredibly infectious and a number of their own fans were present with a number of sailors tricorn hats along the front row. Musically they were very impressive, but with a wonderful and fun quirky edge to the show as the ripped through a set of shanty and drinking songs taking us to a time and a place far away.

But there were moments of quiet too with slower, more thoughtful numbers, just dripping in emotion (Waves Away).

As the set drew to a close things were brought up to date with a song, about a place that symbolised the diverse modern world, the Pirate capital city of Libertalia where your sex, status and position mattered not – all were one and equal, a great singalong track to end on.

A great set, and a band I will definitely have to check out again.

A break to prepare the set, remove the instruments and set up for tonights headliners Faun.

The lights dim, and the thick mist swirls round the stage floor and the cheers erupted as the German pagan folk legends walked out onto the stage.

Starting the night with the enigmatic Belladonna from the latest album “Hex” the scene was set, as they delivered a stunning performance, capturing the essence and sounds of the ancient pagan life, simple pipes and flutes along with a hurdy gurdy create a mystical sound that echoes off the halls walls elegantly.

The new material fits so well alongside older material such as the beautiful Alba. The highlight for me was a wonderful version of Nimue a track performed on the album with guest vocals from Chelsea Wolfe.

The drums beat out an ancient rhythm supporting the intricate melodies from lire and lute, or the more frantic tones from the hurdy gurdy. Faun sounds genuine, a homage to a simpler time which has the audience transfixed and mesmerised.

The stage set works well too with trees either side and a heavy mist effect that swirls evocatively round their feet throughout, creating the feel of a misty glen or forest. The Islington Assembly Hall has impressive acoustics and their delicate and intricate sound, resonates around the hall, embracing the audience from all directions.

The hijinks and frivolity of Ye Banished Privateers is gone, replaced by a slower, more solemn set, a stunning homage to the old ways and in particular the role of the female healer in society.

Faun are simply a delight to behold – magical, brooding, emotional and inspiring all at once.

Setlist

Belladonna

Alba

Walpurgisnacht

Nacht des Nordens

Lament

Hurdy gurdy solo

Gwydion

Lady Isobel

Andro

Nimue