LIVE REVIEW: COUNTRY CALLING FESTIVAL - MORGANWAY - THE OUTPOST MAIN STAGE

There is always something most satisfying about seeing Morganway playing on a stage that can truly accommodate them, while there is a definite joy to be had seeing them in a hot sweaty club, occasionally the lack of space can inhibit the overall spectacle. No such problems at Country Calling, where they were given room to shine. SJ looking fetching in pink, Nicole sparkling, Callum with a new haircut, Kieran sporting his summer hat - they were truly a joy to behold.

The opening would see the ever reliable "Devil's Canyon" got things off to a thundering start while "Come Over" once more reminded everyone of the bands ability to move from brooding menace in the verses

"I feel danger, lying with strangers"

through to the raw power as the chorus explodes into life with a barrage of instrumentation and vocals washing over audience.

The section where Kieran's guitar and Nicole's fiddle entwine remains masterful and the Country Calling sound guys did an excellent job in really revealing the intricacy in the backing vocals to a level #TEAMw21 have never heard before, with such clarity in the separation.

SJ would don her electric guitar as the intro played out for "Don't Turn The Lights On Yet" with the de rigueur "I Love Fanny" sticker attached, which anyone who has been in Fanny Lumsden's radius seems to sport. Powered by Ed's thunderous backbeat and affording the chance for triple band members to jump, this was another wall of sound.

Callum would take over lead vocals for "Boy On The Train" with SJ brandishing the official Morganway tambourine. Once more the sound guys would tease out each bit of backing vocal - even finding a new "Choo choo" bit #TEAMw21 don't ever recall hearing before!

SJ would then announce to the crowd the immortal lines

"Tell you what Ladies, the boob sweat is real!"

The reason for SJ's pink attire was then revealed to be linked to the forthcoming Morganway single, their first ever recorded cover version - which would prove to be Chappell Roan's "Pink Party Club". It would prove to be an inspired choice, with Nicole's fiddle both played and plucked playing a key part alongside SJ's wonderfully overblown theatrical vocals - never more so than when the mother declares

"You're a pink pony girl"

Ed would immediately kick off the introductory drum intro to "Feels Like Letting Go" before Kieran would join in on guitar. With SJ revving up the crowd to join in on the chant and clap along. There was another madcap section that would see both Keiran and Nicole drop to their knees while playing, with Nicole managing a most graceful return to vertical with instrument in hand!

One of Matt's moments to shine came with the cinematic grand opening for "Wait For Me Now", which comes with enough stand out parts to fill a dozen songs.

From the the outstanding multiple layers of backing vocals, SJ's scorching "We chose this life" exclamation, Nicole's intense driving fiddle propelling the song along with such urgency.

Just as it seems to have come concluded, the crowd clapping seems to bring it back to life for one last reprise. For any other band this sheer expenditure of pace and energy would be the climax of their set, but this is Morganway - and next would be "London Life"

The combination of Ed and Nicole playing as SJ made the introduction would give just enough time for the #TEAMw21 merch table to join the review team for an early afternoon stomp to the most infectious beat around. Your admiration for Morganway could not help but be increased when you realised quite how much energy this takes to do for a few minutes, let alone in the glaring sun with the stage lights as well. With the surrounding crowd, stomping and singing along, festivals simply do not get any better this - the only storm happening today was on the Main Stage!

With a tour coming later in the year #TEAMw21 cannot recommend seeing Morganway highly enough. Things would close out with "I Feel The Rain" bringing an end to a most exhilarating set.