Performing the entirety of their 2024 album, Start Close in, Anna and Rowan Rheingans shared their talent with us in a continuation of their UK tour. I use the word “shared” very intentionally here – folk music is inherently a genre which is made for, and by, a collective – there is such a feeling of connection and intuitiveness within the genre that the Rheingans Sisters manage to capture and uphold beautifully.
The melding of tradition and modernity in the composition, along with the sisters’ blending of Scandinavian, French, and British musical heritage truly encapsulates the collectivity of folk music.
The range of instruments played by the sisters was a feat to behold, from the ancient tambourin à cordes, to a handmade banjo made from a gourd. The Rheingans Sisters didn’t just play the instruments, they became a part of them. Each movement was filled with emotion that resounded around the room leaving a heavy energy lingering in the air – the sisters’ music brings to the surface a deep undercurrent of life that is otherwise untouchable – it was almost as if the Rheingans Sisters were translating this energy for us. With such unassuming, unwavering, repetitive melodies accompanied by a constant drone the music is almost meditative – describing their music as “trance” is very fitting – I was completely sucked into the world of the album.
With the first act being closed by Drink Up, the sisters’ songwriting capabilities were showcased, with the lyrics capturing the sort of unavoidable doom that comes with living in modern society – a fresh look at the age-old theme of community in folk music. The use of delay, reverb, and looping gave the sisters their signature free-form sound, showing off their impressive technical prowess.
Despite the simple melodies, the music feels so spontaneous and free that it seems irreproducible – the present is captured in it. Towards the end of the set, we heard Shade Chaser – a song that begins with a voice-note recording in which we hear the buzz of chatter as violins tune. Something about this really resolved the idea of togetherness as it reflected the moment, we ourselves were currently in – again this feeling of time.
The set ended with the two sisters dancing round each other with a connection between them like two opposing magnets – this ability to build energy is what gives the Rheingans Sisters their success – we feel everything they give out – I couldn’t help but smile seeing this pure display of the joy of sisterhood. It’s no wonder this album was the Guardian’s Folk Album of the Month on its release – the Rheingans Sisters have masterfully painted a colourful scene of time, community, and existentialism through their own sonic language – an incredible show that tied every one of us together with its sentiment.
Reviewer: Jessie Martin
Reviewed: 19th May 2025
North West End UK Rating: