Ryan's Gig Guide - June 2018

The Long Goodbye Songwriting & musicianship of the highest order just flows from Brighton-based Alfie Bernardi and his band, who are showcasing their new album “Wait Another Day’ on Thursday 21st June at Claptrap in Stourbridge. Alfie is a singer/songwriter and multi instru- mentalist who quotes Elliott Smith, NeilYoung, and Sparklehorse as his main influences. Thursday 21st June Claptrap, Stourbridge  Alfie’s lyrics have been described as "haunting, introspective, and painfully real" and his voice as "Im- possibly filled with emotion". After a successful career as a sideman in several bands, Alfie moved to the country and worked on a solo album. Released in 2008, 'When- ever in ruins' was hailed by many as "the album to play when the whisky comes out" and "a fine col- lection of heartfelt songs, and the most evocative voice since Count- ing Crows' Adam Duritz". "Darkness Leaves" followed in 2010, with denser sound textures and arrangements, while 2012's "Fractures" was a more intimate record, with Alfie playing most of the instruments around his original 1 take versions of the songs. "Swan Songs" was released in 2016 and still stands as the band’s finest album, featuring live favourites “Thinking Of Esther” and “Still The Best Thing”. www.ryansgigguide.com 36 rgg June 2018