I only heard of The New Mendicants just over a week ago, but for once that was soon enough to catch a Teenage Fanclub side-project in their early days. The New Mendicants for this acoustic tour were Teenage Fanclub's Norman Blake and Joe Pernice of The Pernice Brothers, who began to work together after becoming neighbours in Canada.

The set tonight was comprised of songs from the back catalogues of both Joe and Norman, along with a few songs they've written as The New Mendicants, and a couple of well-chosen covers. Highlights included Teenage Fanclub's It's All In My Mind, Amazing Glow by The Pernice Brothers, Follow You Down from The New Mendicants' acoustic EP, and a couple of songs I wasn't overly familiar with; Finding You by The Go-Betweens and Butcher's Tale by The Zombies.

There were some fantastic vocal harmonies from the duo, along with great humour between (sometimes during) songs, and the old mill engine room at the International Anthony Burgess foundation provided a unique, intimate setting. I'm not sure I would've felt safe on such a small stage - a stage comprised of 4 tables placed together, but Norman and Joe were in their element.

Norman, proudly sporting his Gladstone Pottery Museum sticker

I'd been hesitant to attend this gig, with tickets to see 3 other bands in 3 nights (Stoke-on-Trent, Derby, Manchester) prior to The New Mendicants already purchased - but my memories of one of Norman's other side-projects, Jonny, from last year, convinced me I had to make it 4 in 4 nights. I was fully vindicated as after 3 great gigs in 3 nights, the fourth was the most enjoyable of them all!

See below for videos from this gig.

Joe Pernice on Twitter
Norman Blake on Twitter

Blue Rose Code

I'm not generally a fan of folk music, but Ross Wilson (AKA Blue Rose Code) and his acoustic guitar(s) provided excellent support.

www.bluerosecode.com

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Listen to The Cakes instead. An unnamed listener said they sound like The Clash tickling Spandau Ballet and accidentally beheading them.

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The New Mendicants Videos

Amazing Glow (The Pernice Brothers cover) Sarasota (The New Mendicants) Did I Say (Teenage Fanclub) Baby Lee (Teenage Fanclub cover)

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