To add to the trepidation, the bands took the stage without any applause. To me, it seemed to be a reflection of mixed expectations.

It didn’t take long for me to realise that I had absolutely no need to be concerned. Barring a token Stones cover to end the set, I loved every song. The stage brimmed with somewhat diffident but unmistakable talent, each song paying suitable homage to it’s original but with a little added 0º special sauce.

As an Adem afficionado, it was inevitable that Vetiver and Juana Molina would end up standing out for me. Molina was the only artist to play solo and talking to a few people afterwards, she obviously captivated everyone else as much as me.

Just like Vashti, she’s got a pretty unusual background and her music is just as unexpected. Mixing folk and electronica with sublime Spanish vocals makes for an intriguing combination. Prefuse 73’s side project, Savath and Savalas is about the closest comparison I can make.

Among other places, the tour visits London and Bristol. Definitely worth the trip if you can get hold of a ticket.

3/3