Folk duo’s gig filled pub with joyous rebellion

There are those that work every day and enjoy what they do and then there’s everybody else. Bruce Springsteen said ‘Talk about a dream, try to make it real” and in many ways this is exactly what Kip Winter and Dave Wilson are trying to accomplish.
Starting their set at The Queen’s Head, Belper with what they described as their new life anthem the duo began with ‘I’m Cutting Free’, taken from their latest album; the restrained fingerpicked track explored how it felt for them to jack in their 9-5 and go on the road full time. 
When coupled with the upbeat ‘Still Life In The Old Dog’, the crowd got a real sense of the joyous rebellion the duo must be feeling, albeit one tinted with a hint of melancholy at what they have left behind. 
Highlight of the evening was ‘We Still Get Along’. 
It’s the kind of track that only an actual couple could write, about struggling to find the right words to say to one and other. 
It also managed to display the great synchronicity of their vocals when given space over a slower, more traditional folk melody. 
Whilst the duo is known for tight harmonies, Kip’s throaty voice, particularly on their cover of ‘Poetic Justice’ and new song ‘Avon’s Bank’ - a sort of bluegrass traditional folk medley – carried enough emotion and power alone to hush the audience. 
Credit must also go to Dave Wilson for his ability to weave tales of everyday life into engaging and enduring narratives. 
The Steinbeck influenced ‘Orange Trees And Dusty Roads’ vividly captured the inexorable impact technology has upon our lives, often leaving us feeling lost and alienated from our roots. 
Similarly, the banjo led ‘Been A Long Day’, which they played at the start of the second set, told of a hard fought living, one of stoic resilience. 
This may all sound rather woeful, but regardless of the themes of the songs Winter Wilson kept it light by delivering good humour throughout and by keeping the audience involved. 
Finishing on an Americana sounding track ‘Someone Else’s Bed’ from their debut album, they kept that vibe going during the encore with the Bonnie Raitt inspired ‘I’m Gonna Find Myself A Lover’. 
At times sympathetic, at times sultry, you can see why the voices of Winter Wilson have become a must see staple of the British folk scene.