After recently attending major shows at iconic venues in London and Ipswich’s Regent Theatre, it was refreshing to return to the more intimate and grassroots setting of The Smokehouse for something a little different — and altogether more personal.

From Norwich to Nationwide

Brown Horse is a six-piece country rock band from Norwich, and they’re very much on the ascent. What started as a folk quartet in 2018 has since evolved into a full-bodied ensemble featuring Patrick Turner, Emma Tovell, Nyle Holihan, Rowan Braham, Ben Auld, and Phoebe Troup. The group’s collaborative songwriting process and mutual chemistry are apparent on stage — and make no mistake, their debut album Reservoir has legs.

Currently touring the UK, this show marked their 39th performance in just 50 days, which makes their tightness and vitality on stage all the more impressive. Despite the relentless schedule, there was no fatigue evident — only passion.

A Show Worth the Spontaneity

Having spotted a Facebook post from Coxy, I decided to jump on board for this gig alongside Coxy, Hicksy, and Hammy. No regrets. The night proved to be a reminder of how powerful live music can be when experienced up close. So impressed was I by their performance that I picked up the Reservoir LP at the merch stand — and I anticipate plenty of plays in the coming weeks.

A standout moment for me was their track Paul Gilley, a poignant nod to the overlooked 1950s country songwriter who died before his lyrics gained wider recognition. The song was moving, well-crafted, and has inspired me to dedicate an upcoming Country Hour episode on Felixstowe Radio to Gilley and other unsung country legends.

The Smokehouse – Small Venue, Big Impact

This was only my second visit to The Smokehouse — the last being a pre-pandemic show featuring Billy Bremner (no, not that one), whose work with Nick Lowe, The Pretenders, and others made for an unforgettable night. The Smokehouse, with its 88-person capacity, offers something few venues can: genuine connection between artist and audience. Located in Ipswich’s vibrant multicultural quarter, it has become a much-needed space for emerging talent since opening in 2016.

Brown Horse clearly thrived in that space, and I left with the sense that this is a band on the cusp of something big. I’d be surprised if we’re seeing them in such small venues for much longer. As I’ve said before — and I’ll keep saying it — catch them now before they’re huge.

---

🎤 In Summary

Gig: Brown Horse
Venue: The Smokehouse, Ipswich
Line-up: Full six-piece country rock band
Standout moment: “Paul Gilley” and the Reservoir LP
Audience size: 88 — and we were lucky to be among them
Vibe: Intimate, authentic, and musically rich