It is an achievement to get eight people onto the Portland Arms stage in Cambridge let alone pull off a captivating gig with plenty of on stage jumping around.
The main man behind San Fermin and their sweet collection of songs is Ellis Ludwig-Leone who is tucked stage left in the corner behind his keyboard and snare drum. The remaining seven members of the band Allen Tate, Charlene Kaye, Rebekah Durham (Violin), John Brandon (Trumpet), Stephen Chen (Sax), Tyler McDiarmid (Guitar) and Michael Hanf (Drums) light up the stage.
Singers, Charlene Kaye and Allen Tate with his Tom Berninger like baritone hold centre stage harmonising or solo on vocals. There is solid musicianship throughout the band and a genuine humbleness, that the audience had taken the time out to see them.
Falling somewhere between The National, Arcade Fire and Dirty Projectors, the songs are well paced to keep the crowd engaged even the three new ones introduced tonight (and yes they will be on the new album).
A thoroughly entertaining night. This band should go far.
Pete
Charlene Kaye