Herman Düne

I've not caught Herman Dune several times before. The last time they came to Brighton I left after the support act (Broken Family Band) and was then told off by everybody for missing a killer show. So I was excited about this.

Herman Dune are comprised of three brothers, drums and two guitars, with lead vocals swapped around and nice backing harmonies. They offer wavering, sweet voices with an old-world lyrical outlook that smells similar to Will Oldham's hints of Civil War chic; but then there's that European thing going on as well - lustful innnocence and unswerving politic.

So, to cut to the chase, Herman Dune are very good. They're most fun when they unexpectedly abandon microphones and groove with louche style, bobbing about on the floor in front of the stage, performing songs on ukelele completely un-amplified. It appears to be impromptu as well - someone's broken a string. We're in a sit-down venue holding well over a hundred, so that's impressive as well as entertaining.

Too many bands currently walk a highwire between Americana styling and an indie-schmindie approach. It spoils those who deserve better, by creating the impression that they're happy working at this humble level, allowing the industry to ignore them. Herman Dune, alongside a bunch of similar acts, could possibly save the live scene right now, if they were just that bit more ambitious. This is one of their largest shows and it's full, but elsewhere in the UK they're still playing dives. Demand more. Make yourself precious.