The brothers Tinlin returned on Wednesday night for yet another night of wanton debauchery and multi-instrumentalism. The PAS stage was filled with a variety of musician's tools, strewn hither and thither with reckless abandon, stacked or stored around precariously placed drinks; and in the midst of it all, Rolf and Alex. Rolf, using an uncut cable tie to hold back his flowing locks, sat stage right, constantly swapping his mandolin for a djembe, or a guitar, or a mini-kick drum, rocking out or singing with a fragile grace in equal measure. Alex, next to him, belted out the chords on his guitar and yelled the words, when necessary, in a powerful stream of energy, only halting the torrent for the lighter moments, when closed eyes and delicate melodies reigned.
The combination of the two is a sound to behold. Roving strains caress or assault your eardrums like a schizophrenic lover, leading harmoniously into tuneful duets and colourful refrains. Songs like "In The Real World" and "You Wouldn't Approve" suggest a child-like timidity and innocence, which is pleasantly smashed apart by, for example, introducing another tune by telling the audience, "This song is about dogging." Tinlin were, as always, worth a very good listen and a resounding round of applause.
The unconventionally hairstyled and blazer-wearing (emblazoned?) John Grimsey, one half of acoustic folk pop outfit The Honey Ants, supported Tinlin with his sweet, 60's inspired tunes. Featuring masses of audience participation, with handclaps, shakers and the like rattling away in the center of the room, John endeared himself to the watching music lovers with his friendly demeanour and neo-Beatlesian songs. A pleasant experience all round.
Dave Knight
The Platform is part of the
Portobello Acoustic Sessions, and is held every Wednesday night from 7:30 at The Metropolitan bar, Westbourne Park.
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The PAS Diaries: The Platform Presents Tinlin
The PAS Diaries: The Platform Presents Guy Valerino