The Wilderness of Manitoba, Pure Groove in-store, Smithfield, London, May 7th 2010

Yes, I know, this is becoming something of a habit, but it seemed like a Friday lunchtime free treat that was too hard to resist. Mr P and I occasionally meet up on Friday lunchtime or early evening for whatever free music is around (usually at the Southbank), and he was easily persuaded to head off to this one, opposite London’s historic Smithfield Market.

I’d never been to Pure Groove before, but it certainly ticked all the right boxes – records, CDs, free wifi, books and magazines to borrow, in-store live stage, comfy sofas, toasted sandwiches and a bar. I settled down with a delicious pint of Dark Star’s IPA (Mr P had a Fentiman’s ‘Curiosisty Cola’) to enjoy another dose of The Wilderness of Manitoba, and once again they didn’t disappoint. The two City boys eating and drinking behind us were talking loudly about bonds, spreads and other assorted financial-alchemical nonsense, but soon buggered off when they realised that folky harmonies weren’t really their thing (they probably listen to Kasabian).

The band’s set was similar to before, but as good as ever and I think Mr P appreciated them too. We’ll be seeing them again at the End Of The Road Festival in September, but I took the opportunity after they’d finished to say ‘hello’ and tell them how much I like what they’re doing. Lovely bunch of people and great music. Here they are with Octoberman performing a fine raggedy-arse version of Neil Young’s Pardon My Heart at last Tuesday’s gig at The Slaughtered Lamb.