Fortnightly Music Reviews from the streets of Teesside and beyond Out Man In The Field, Before Close, The Courtroom, Middlesbrough Town Hall, 15 March 2026
Such a relaxing, uplifting way to spend a Sunday afternoon revelling to the sounds of Our Man In The Field and Before Close in the old Victorian Courtroom at Middlesbrough Town Hall.
album, Gold On The Horizon ease us into the simmering set. Although Feel Good is anything but easy for Alex, being about someone that owes him £10k. Easy Going Smile, taken from the first album, The Company of Strangers showcases the richness of the sound and compelling narratives at the heart of the lyrics. Last Dance is a break up song, possibly drawn from life experience hearing a tempestuous bust up through the paper thin walls to his former neighbours in Peckham. Come On features an absolutely beautiful cello, it profiles the reality of the American dream, workaholics to pay for their health insurance. I never said it would be easy. The American imagery continues with a newish song about rodeo bull riding. I wonder if there is much call for that in Alex native Saltburn? OMITF encored with an oldie but goldie Thin. I used to be Bulletproof – nothing could ever get through... My iron skin is growing thin.
This was just the second gig for Before Close following their debut at last year's Twisterella all dayer. This is the side project of Jodie Nicholson and Joe Ramsey. Going off grid in a hut in Alnmouth, Northumberland the duo plugged in a power pack to a laptop and combined their considerable songwriting talents to produce the core of an outstanding set of songs. What Am I Supposed To Do With It was inspired by tv sci-fi thriller series Severance., Ordinary Life draws on role play games and features supreme harmonies. Between is the tender, sweet Thank God (you're here with me). A gentle, soothing way to ease into this Sunday session. You can access Before Close Alnmouth songs replete with seaside sounds from their Bandcamp page. Great to have Our Man In The Field back home again and playing among friends and family. It is such an easy, silky smooth country, folky sound from the trio of Alex Ellis on acoustic guitar, augmented by Henry playing the lovely lament of a slide guitar called a dobler and the calming, charming cello of Maddy. Alex vocals pour over the majestic melodies like Lyle's Golden Syrup. Feel Good and Go Easy (on yourself) from the last
It is totally beguiling stuff. And the great news is that a new album is almost in the offing. It would be lovely to welcome Our Man In The Field back home to debut his new songs and maybe this time with the full band in tow. But thank you to OMITF, Before Close and indeed Middlesbrough Gigs for a totally special Sunday. Words: Robert Nichols Pictures: Tracy Hyman
Off The Beat with Robert Nichols and Tracy Hyman