“The eponymous Karl Walsh is a Manchester musician and author. Once signed to Factory Records by Tony Wilson with To Hell With Burgundy, went on to form The Visitors with Mike Crook and Frederick Apps. Today Karl and Freddie, with the addition of Philip John on bass and Karl Markham on lead make up the four-piece that is Karl Walsh and The Happy Future.

The simplicity of the set up is the first thing apparent here. Drums, guitars, harmonica and bass are all that is present on the stage. Like Martha and the Vandellas said, there is “nowhere to run, nowhere to hide baby.” So the music is not about being heavy, incredible volume or neck-twattery, but about songs. And, oh do they have songs.

During the set, those present are treated to a set of perfect pop-folk hymns tinged with a sadness and experience that evoke such greats as Leonard Cohen and Tim Buckley but displays a distinctive style all their own. Song Number 10 uses exotic, flamenco stop-start mechanics with great story telling lyrics that engross the listener, Monster addresses domestic violence where Dance to the Drum evokes the 60’s and the jangly pop stylings of The Monkees: Not Your Stepping Stone.

It’s an uplifting, gimmick free affair and their combined musical experience shines throughout. The future’s bright, the future’s happy!” (From Paul Cook @ Manchester Rocks!)