Sunday afternoon shows at the Grace Emily always turn out to be something special. The Midnight Mares performed a brief but excellent set of acoustic tunes, and then a longer run of electric songs.

The acoustic set began with two new songs – ‘Empires’ and ‘Grim Robert’ – memorable tunes that suited the acoustic treatment but would also work well with full electric arrangements. The acoustic set was mellow, but the performances still had grit – the stripped back Gothic folk arrangements allowed the songs to shine. Guitarist Matt Swayne, keyboardist Elizabeth Reid and drummer Peter Owen’s voices melded in spot on harmonies throughout the afternoon. Album tracks ‘Heads I Stay’ and ‘Too Dark for Me’ also benefited from the acoustic treatment, highlighting the melodic interplay between the keys and guitars. Bassist Denni Meredith is the band’s secret weapon – he plays a melodic style all his own that enhances the songs – they wouldn’t have the same impact without his contributions.

The electric set opened with ‘Endless Nights of Rock and Roll’, a song with a stately Bad Seeds feel to it, with Swayne’s sombre and atmospheric baritone vocal perfect for the lyrical rumination on the passing of time. ‘Sparks!’ is jangly and catchy guitar rock delivered in the style of the band that gave the song its name. ‘Lethologica’ was a highlight – Swayne and Reid traded lead vocals over swirling guitars and keys while gorgeous vocal harmonies accentuated the haunting chorus melody before ending with an epic, shimmering guitar solo from Swayne that captivated the crowd.

Though the band favours dark subject matter, they’re warm and friendly, engaging in banter with the audience and enlightening us with the stories behind some of the songs. It was fitting that ‘Heads I Stay’ originated at the Grace Emily and final song ‘The Don Cesar’ tells the story of lost love that inspired the building of a hotel in Reid’s native Florida. The sadness in Reid’s vocal performance on this song was palpable. The Midnight Mares are a dynamic and engaging live band whose performances are rare. If you ever get a chance to see them, don’t hesitate!