Tonight the Borderline played host to an HMV-sponsored “Next Big Thing” night, featuring three hotly-tipped acts. The first two, Andrew Morris & Matthew P, broadly followed the “one man and a guitar” format but were quite different in approach. Matthew P’s set in particular was wittily performed & there was added interest provided by a constantly moving Heath Robinson contraption that made his name dance slower during his set.

With the venue filling up nicely, Ian King arrived with his band and a trio of over-active photographers. The seven-piece line-up that filled the small stage is drawn from various backgrounds and range of ages and is all the richer for it.

The sound is rooted in traditional English folk and performed with an infectious Caribbean groove. The majority of the set is from his recent CD “Panic Grass & Fever Few” and as good as the songs are on record, it’s live where they really come alive. The groove ebbs and flows hungrily, providing a perfect accompaniment to Ian King’s strong and clear voice.

Two highlights for me are perhaps the most emotional songs of the evening - the bold interpretation of Adieu to Old England and By George, which he wrote for a dying friend. Occasionally distracting photographers aside, this was an excellent showcase and the songs stayed with me long after the band had stopped playing.

I’m not going to burden them with the tag of “Next Big Thing” as I’m not even sure what that means. But with a superb album on the shelves and a busy schedule of gigs they certainly have a bright year of them and I’ll happily add my voice to the growing chorus calling them ones to watch in 2010.