Hollow Coves at the Forum

It may be cold outside, but inside Kentish Town’s Forum there is nothing but warmth. Indie folk duo Hollow Coves have brought in a huge range of people, all bumping shoulders as they await the atmospheric melodies of the two Australians.

A dreamlike opening sequence thrums loudly as Ryan Henderson and Matt Carins walk onstage to a round of applause. They kick off with Nothing to Lose under an orange hue and the crowd relaxes into the smooth sounds. Next up, The Woods earns a roar of appreciation. The duo, along with their guitarist and drummer, all sing together for the choruses in blissful harmony. The song itself feels like a perfect analogy for this show – it talks of sitting around a fire, of having a safe place with people you know and love. The nostalgic nature of Hollow Coves’s music, those inimitable riffs and heartfelt words that remind you of summers long gone, ripples around the room like a hug. At one point later on, the audience is inducted into an in-show inside joke to do with a harmonica, and the feeling inside is one of sweet familiarity, like everyone, both onstage and off, has something special in common. 

As is key in good folk, guitars take centre stage tonight. During Letting Go, Carins stands with an acoustic while Henderson holds his electric. Often there are guitar solos with plucking so delicate and intimate that the room holds its breath. It’s incredibly impressive to witness.

The show in general is quite simple; the staging is a few dark platforms, and there’s no backdrop or big surprises. This doesn’t matter. It’s mellow at times, but not ever boring. Indeed, one of the most memorable parts of the gig is when the pair ask for quiet while they sing some stripped-back songs, including Let’s Go, Evermore and See You Soon. It’s mesmerising. There are still moments to dance, of course. The Open Road and Anew are snappy tunes with easy singalongs that really get the crowd boogying. 

Throughout the night, one thing is clear as day – Hollow Coves’s voices were meant to be heard together. They move and sing as a duo seamlessly, adding to the easygoing and sincere atmosphere found here tonight in Kentish Town. 

Talitha Stowell
Photos: Guifre de Peray

For further information and future events visit Hollow Coves’s website here.

Watch the video for the single On the Way here: