Playing in Cardiff for the first time since the release of mini album ÔÇÿCome What MayÔÇÖ in December, alternative folk quartet Clutching At Straws headline TRMMusic AgencyÔÇÖs new event Sway in Soda Bar on this February Thursday evening. With dimmed lights, silver silk across the ceiling and sparkling circles hanging around the barÔÇÖs logo, this isnÔÇÖt the typical venue for a group used to playing at country pubs and beer festivals. But the three bands on the bill this evening seem determined to prove that this is a venue that suits live bands just as well as nightclubbing.

The May Duo begin the evening, and the small amounts of people in attendance at this point are treated to the soulful vocals of Helena-May and the dynamic acoustic guitar of Gareth Evans. They show some engaging and well-interpreted covers of the likes of Duffy and Charlotte Church, playing as tightly as if they were performing to a full room of people.

Using the same stage with no changeover time at all come quartet Life in Cold Climates, who give an animated and enthusiastic full band performance as the Soda Bar crowds build up to listen to both covers and their own songs.

Following on from packing out The Vulcan last April, Clutching at Straws have people reacting seconds after Life in Cold ClimatesÔÇÖ final notes have rung out on the opposite stage, the singing and dancing greeting original material, covers of new folk favourites and some interesting reinterpretations of the likes of David Guetta and Guns NÔÇÖ Roses being highly impressive for such a new event. Getting as much audience participation in their own ÔÇÿMeredithÔÇÖ as in The Lumineers cover ÔÇÿHo HeyÔÇÖ, the multi-instrumentation and vocal harmonies give everyone in the club a smile on their face. TRMMusic AgencyÔÇÖs Rhys Morris claims ÔÇ£SodaÔÇÖs the perfect venue because we can get that Jools Holland feel and vibe to itÔÇØ. And based on performances like this, maybe it isnÔÇÖt unrealistic to suggest that one day weÔÇÖll be hearing ÔÇ£Ladies and gentlemen, the magnificent Clutching at Straws!ÔÇØ