The Hallamshire Hotel in Sheffield, with its 1970s-inspired browns and oranges, provided an ideal setting for C Duncans autumnal yet lush indie pop as he arrived in the city as part of Independent Venue Week. The Mercury Prize-nominated singer-songwriter showcased tracks from his latest album, It’s Only a Love Song, released a week or so before, 2025, along with selections from his earlier work.
Performing solo with keyboard, guitar, and backing tracks, Duncan’s hushed yet assured vocals captivated the audience, and he charmed them further with his witty and self deprecating patter between songs. Highlights of the evening included the steggeringly beautiful ‘Think About It’ and the enduring favourite ‘Say’ from his Mercury-nominated album, The Architect, but for the entirety of his set, he unleashed one small pop gem after another, showing the quality and imagination of his songwriting
Opening the night, Sheffield/Manchester singer-songwriter Alwyn Jones delivered a charming set of deft and clever indie folk/pop. Supported by a tight yet flexible band, Jones engaged the crowd with his flowing performance, and he is certainly one we’re going to be keeping a close eye on in 2025
Overall, it was a lovely evening, with the only regret being that more people weren’t there to enjoy it.
