Independent Venue Week is such a grand idea, as turning the spotlight on grass roots venues is such an important endeavour. They’re an integral part of the music business and a place where up and coming bands hone their art. This week is not only a celebration of the venues, but the folks who work therein and we kick the festivities off in the best possible way, with a trip to the jewel in the crown of Northampton’s live music scene, The Black Prince.

This is my first encounter with Pearl Handled Revolver, and I am more than happy to make their acquaintance. Upon entering the hall I am welcomed by an earth-shaking Sabbathy riff and synths that swirl around the venue like a spectre, it’s a perfect introduction and gives a good indication of what’s in store. By the time the band hit second track ‘Gilding The Lily’, they’re firmly in the groove and while you can certainly hear the band’s influences (there’s that tight-but-loose groove of Sabbath mixed with the ethereal nature of The Doors), it is to their credit that they have their own thing going on and sound like no one but themselves. The tracks debuted from their forthcoming album signpost a bright future and, with no weak link in their chain, the neat time changes that pepper their songs are handled with great aplomb. Aided by a warm and lustrous sound, their wide sonic vistas are very evocative and that makes their set an unforgettable experience.

With the stage bathed in green light (obviously!), there’s an excited buzz as we await The Emerald Dawn’s first ever appearance in Northampton. In terms of performance and quality of song, Pearl Handled Revolver have set the bar exceptionally high, but if any band can rise to the challenge then it’s The Emerald Dawn. Opening track ‘And I Stood Transfixed’ does exactly what it says on the tin as the band’s sublime sound wafts over the venue, it is earthy and organic, and gives the impression that it could grow in any direction. As flute washes over the crowd like a soothing balm ‘The March Of Time’ arrives via military drumming and, like all the band’s songs, creates a vivid soundscape and it is only the usual tossers who spoil things (you’ll find them at most gigs), talking during the song and breaking its otherworldly spell.

The Emerald Dawn are a quartet who create a sound that’s far bigger than their constituent parts, of course, the fact that they have several multi-instrumentalists in the group doesn’t hurt. Rather than taking the easy route and use backing tapes, the band actually change instruments mid-song and this helps them weave a rich tapestry that’s coloured with rustic reds, burnt yellows and conker browns. New track called ‘Under Changing Skies’ (I Believe),  is a song from their forthcoming double album (this is prog, after all!)  and suggests there’s much more goodness to come. But in the here and now, the band hit us with ‘Timeless’ and then ‘A Moment In Time’, a beautiful piece of music that’s full of soaring guitars and ethereal vocals that’s tethered to the ground by a weighty rhythm section. Such is the hypnotic quality that surrounds The Emerald Dawn, they seem to alter the very fabric of time and that means the curfew rolls around much too soon. Yet, no one can feel short changed after tonight’s performance and the band have definitely made some new friends. Embrace the new dawn.