The Lost Brothers - Dovetailing Dawn and Dust

Mark McCausland

It was a first sell-out London date for Ireland's alt-folk duo The Lost Brothers at St Pancras Old Church last week (12/11/2014). They had been preceded by Maria Byrne and Lisa O'Neill in this atmospheric venue dedicated to the Roman martyr St Pancras. It was packed out indeed, they would have hung off the rafters if they had been within reach.

It was a serene setting for two performers whose vocals floated above the everyday hubbub of the swarming metropolis beyond. It was an early foray into their latest album with opening tune 'Gold and Silver' followed by 'Derridae' which has caused a stir for BBC Radio 6 listeners, myself included.
The album New Songs of Dawn and Dust was released in September on the London based indie label Lojinx. This London gig was but one of 23 dates that sees them start and finish in Ireland via Scotland and England.

Oisin Leech

Beyond the lullaby voices of Oisin Leech and Mark McCausland there were narratives that spoke of wandering journeys, of caravans in the old world sense. Thoughts of Augusta John blossomed in the mind, and like the great artist The Lost Brothers are imaginative, cultivating the ability to catch a striking yet unfamiliar perspective of their chosen subject. Skilful too, there was a guitar dexterity that gave 'Can I stay with you' a jovial and upbeat wash, and took away the blues in the song.

The graveyard at St Pancras Old Church is famous for it's trysts between the poet Percy Bysshe Shelley and the future Mary Shelley. At times if felt like we were watching a modern experiment in Mrs Shelley's body quilting. If you closed your eyes The Lost Brothers 'became one' courtesy of their dovetailing voices.

AL.