The Dead South at Portsmouth Guildhall REVIEW: 'Tonight’s performance demonstrates why they are top of the tree'

In 2018 the band from Saskatchewan, Canada, quickly sold out the Wedgewood Rooms. They repeated the feat the following year at The Pyramids, doubling their audience.

So it was no real surprise the band went on to sell out the Guildhall. The surprise, though, is that one has to remember this has all been done without major label or chart success – instead they’re the true definition of a grassroots band.

Illuminated porch lights light up the front of the stage, giving the sense of a southern homestead which is so evocative the bands songs.

The band enter the stage to a heroes’ welcome. The big hats, white shirts and braces remain from before, only the more elaborate stage set and lightshow reflect their increased popularity.

The Dead South train keeps on rolling with no sigh of stopping. Such is the confidence of the band they open with two tracks, Diamond Ring and Blue Trash from the new album Sugar and Joy, recorded at the legendary Muscle Shoals recording studio in Alabama.

Lead singer Nate Hill’s vocals are as gravelly as the Mississippi, his stage presence is understated but authoritative. With barely a: 'Hello Portsmouth,' in addressing the crowd, it takes time for the audience to respond, but once virtuoso banjo player Cotton Crawford and Scott Pringle on mandolin kick in they soon up the energy levels, taking on an almost Pogues-like intensity. Cellist Danny Kenyon carrying his instrument like a gunslinger recalls Paul Simonon from The Clash.

Highlight of the evening was the song that took them to global fame, In Hell I'll Be In Good Company, with a staggering 174m views on social media. Many in the crowd reach for their phones to record the moment, something that still baffles me, but it doesn’t take away the joy of the song.

It’s a triumphant show from the best folk, bluegrass, Americana, whatever you want to call it, band in the world.

Tonight’s performance demonstrates why they are top of the tree with no sign of anyone dislodging them just yet.