Last Monday night saw another instalment of 'Acoustics Underground', a termly night run in Clare Cellars. The atmosphere was electric, as the crowd gathered in the dark underbelly of the college for the start of the concert.

Dave Neale and Alyssa Ralph kicked off the evening with some original folk songs and several covers, including a beautiful stripped-down version of The Verve’s ‘Bitter Sweet Symphony’. The simple violin-guitar arrangements did service to the emotion—filled songs chosen by the duo. Two's Company followed with traditional folk, deploying flute and octave mandolin among the guitar and vocal harmony which added real warmth to their songs.  A highlight of their set was an outstanding rendition of ‘Romeo and Juliet’ by Dire Straits in which Dave Jenkinson and Alice Baillee’s vocal duet was particularly moving.

Following a very swift changeover, headliners August and After took the stage. The acoustic guitar duo, formed in Clare College, returned to Cambridge especially for this one-off show. Veterans of the May Week scene, and recent graduates, Ned and Vedantha are now making their way as full time musicians in London, and working on their debut album. The enthusiastic crowd were treated to renditions of some of their new material with added layers of cello and violin virtuosoistically played by Jess Fish and Theodor Kung. Of these new songs, ‘The Orchard’ stood out as soulfully lyrical, incorporating gorgeous guitar interactions. Marked by a frantic violin solo, ‘It Calls’ was another striking piece. A great original note was added with the pair’s performance of a song dedicated to one of their fans, cheekily entitled, ‘What do you do with a Philosophy degree?’: it managed to be as humorous as it was catchy, and was extremely well-received by the crowd.

Supremely comfortable musicians, between songs Ned and Vedantha’s playful banter was endearingly awkward and hilariously funny. Their audience interaction was all the more successful when they passed their model boat, 'HMS August and After', around the room to be filled with the audience members' favourite songs for an online playlist. The pair’s parting note was an impressive cover of Rodrigo y Gabriela's 'Tamacun' leading into a flamboyant Spanish guitar version of 'Plug-in Baby' by Muse.

August and After’s abundant close harmonies and polished guitar playing meant they were a joy to listen to on a cold October night and suggests they are definitely a band to watch as they are set for big things with their debut album.

Clare Live’s organisation of this entertaining and wonderful night of music is to be applauded along with the very talented performers.