Review: Ida Mae, The Louisiana – ‘Something for everyone’

If you’re going to see a band that deliciously screams American influences and blends folk with blues-infused rock, you might as well do it at Bristol’s most American-sounding venue, The Louisiana.

None of the December chill gets through to this steamy room, where achingly cool duo Ida Mae rocks up on the last leg of a European tour, promoting new third album, Thunder Above You.

Their musical influences include early blues, country and classic British rock; this blend hits just right for an audience where you’re just as likely to spot a fringed suede Western jacket as you are an Iron Maiden t-shirt (our crowd has both).

Band members and married couple Chris Turpin, on guitar and vocals, and Stephanie Jean, on vocals and tambourine, are well into their musical stride.

Before Ida Mae, they were in another band, Kill it Kid, and some members of this Bristol crowd have followed them ever since. However, they don’t get the UK radio airplay their talent deserves.

For this gig, they’re joined by longtime collaborator Nick Pini, on double bass and bass guitar, and Mikey Sorbello on drums; it’s a tight little unit.

Support comes from solo artist Jack Francis, who also offers up a slice of Americana, this time by way of Southampton.

Francis is wonderfully self-deprecating (his second album, due out next year, is called Early Retirement) and he gently charms the room before Ida Mae’s set, with a rich voice showcased on songs like Failure and Tired of Trying.

Ida Mae opens with three well-known tracks offering something for everyone: the soulful Raining for You and the subtly seething Reaching, sandwiched between My Girl is a Heartbreak (think the Beatles mixed with the Black Keys).

Turpin and Jean both have impressive voices in their own right, but their harmonies weave magic. We’re then treated to a beautiful cover of folk singer Barbara Keith’s Detroit or Buffalo.

One thing you might not have guessed: for all the American influences, Ida Mae is actually a British band.

The couple live between Nashville and the UK, opening shows for the likes of Greta Van Fleet, Marcus King, Rodrigo y Gabriela and Willie Nelson, but they do have a connection to the South West, having met at Bath Spa University.

From Detroit or Buffalo, we move to a clutch of tracks from Thunder Above You, like the surprisingly dark Doing It for Badness.

One highlight is the endlessly catchy My Whispers Are Wildfire, which namechecks Ticketmaster and the algorithm, and was written in response to a chaotic world of fake news and social media. These newer songs fit seamlessly into the overall setlist.

Yet, before we get too comfortable, it’s time to revisit a few more fan favourites, including the edgy Little Liars.

Having opened the show with a softer number, they’re wise to go out harder, with the fiery old-school rock of Click Click Domino leading us to the closing number, Long Gone & Heartworn, which can’t fail to raise the roof.

It turns out the way to Nashville from Bristol is definitely via (the) Louisiana.

Main photo: Polly Allen

Read next:

• Review: Shygirl, Marble Factory – ‘A big camp party’
• Review: Billy Bragg, Bristol Beacon – ‘A huge celebration’
• Review: Slow Pulp, Strange Brew – ‘They take pride in the mastery of their craft’

Listen to the latest Bristol24/7 Behind the Headlines podcast: