Charm of Finches

The Old Cinema Launderette, Durham

3 March 2026

If you've read enough of my reviews, you'll know that one of my favourite things is harmony vocals. And Charm of Finches do harmony better than just about anyone else. Mabel and Ivy Windred-Wornes have voices of very similar character and range (Ivy most often takes higher lines), and whether one or the other is taking the lead or they are singing in unison, the blend is flawless.

This is the fifth time I've seen them, so the set isn't especially surprising (there's just one song I don't recognise, I think). Without a specific new album to promote this tour the selection is drawn from across their catalogue, with plenty of my favourites. They don't play my absolute favourite, but they play second-favourite Wonderful Oblivion (it's a lullaby to death) in the encore, and I decide maybe that was actually my favourite all along.

I've seen them labelled as "folk", and I don't think that's a good description, but the music press is desperate for labels and everything with a fiddle has to be folk, right? I wouldn't want to label it. But the audience feels like a "folk" audience to me, so what do I know? If I had to describe them, I'd just say that if you like intelligent, acoustic songs with guitar, keyboard, violin, and beautiful harmonies from a duo not afraid to include a cover of Army Dreamers, then you ought to listen to Charm of Finches.

They've apparently recent moved to the UK from Melbourne, Australia (WHY???), so I hope that means I won't have to wait another two years between tours and I'll get to see them a lot more.

Simply beautiful music.

Yes, the venue is literally a launderette.