Villagers and Therapy? End Across The Line Bash In Style

For the past three decades and counting, Radio Ulster's Across The Line has been championing the brightest and best from the north's music scene (as well as those from all across the island). Widely regarded as a lifeline for up-and-coming artists, the programme has evolved to become something of a national treasure – and last night, they celebrated 30 years of broadcasting by putting together a party that would rival the fabled banquet halls of Valhalla.

Featuring something for everyone on the seven act strong bill, the early birds at the already nearly full Ulster Hall are treated to a smorgasbord of fine music in the form of Soak and Saint Sister. The former treats us to 'Blud' and 'B A Nobody,' which gives goosebumps you could hang the moon off, and then finishes with a touching cover of Rainy Boy Sleep's 'Shopping Centre Song' in tribute to the dearly departed Stevie Martin.

With the format now established (each act plays two songs, plus one cover from Ireland's songbook), Saint Sister treat us to a spine tingling, remodelled run-through of the Divine Comedy's 'Songs Of Love', before Neil Hannon arrives to put on a characteristically playful and charismatic performance. Alt rockers R51 turn in a set full of melody and power that calls to mind Derry's Scheer in places (they seem destined to have a bright future), while The 4 Of Us give the assembled crowd a welcome reminder that they're some of the finest songwriters on the island: in particular, 'Mary' remains every inch the evergreen anthem.

While maybe not the first act you'd think of to get a party started, there's no doubting that Villagers are a class act and tonight Conor O'Brien performs solo, delivering a typically flawless, intelligent set. 'Courage' is as bewitching as ever and his cover of Van Morrison's 'And It Stoned Me' is a delight.

To end proceedings with the proverbial bang, Therapy? run through a short, sharp crowd pleasing set. Their muscular cover of Ash's 'Kung Fu' is great fun and 'Screamager,' a song that for this reviewer's money is the most important and impactful three minutes in Northern Ireland's musical history, ends proceedings on a high. It was a great night that marked the importance of Across The Line in apppropriate style.
See you in 30 years time!