York outfit The Magpies are one of the most exciting young bands to emerge on the folk scene in recent years and their gig at The Cluny – where they will be supported by Eve Simpson – should be a real doozy.

More than one person has said to me that they’re fully on board with The Magpies despite claiming to be “not a fan of folk music”. Maybe it’s The Magpies’ incredibly rich sonic palette that draws people in. The band mix up traditional Celtic folk along with flavours from the US, including bluegrass and Appalachian trail sounds, in a manner that beguiles and delights. It helps that the three are highly accomplished players in their own right with Bella Gaffney (award winning singer/songwriters, guitarist and banjoist), Holly Brandon (acclaimed fiddle player and tunesmith) and Ellie Gowers (singer/songwriter and guitarist) all bringing something different to the table. Their harmonies should also be filed under “To die for” as evinced on their brilliant albums ‘Tidings’ (2020) and ‘Undertow’ (2022). And their Newcastle gig promises to be extra special as supporting them will be Crack fave Eve Simpson. This Geordie lass – now based in Edinburgh – is the real deal and her wonderful folk/pop sound has seen her compared to everyone from Laura Marling to Joni Mitchell. In short: a dream double-bill. DP

The Magpies + Eve Simpson, Thursday 12 December, The Cluny, Newcastle, 7.30pm, £12, thecluny.com