Review: A Different Thread at The Cluny, Newcastle-upon-Tyne

Invited: Review by Jon Isbell on 04 October 2026

Presented in the intimate setting of Cluny 2 were English-American folk duo A Different Thread on the second date of their UK tour. As is common with gigs in this venue, support was provided by local musicians – in this case two members of punk-folk band Driven Serious.

Representing Driven Serious tonight were Rob John Jones on guitar and vocals, and Sol Sayal on fiddle and harmonies. Without their full five-piece line-up I suspect their sound at this gig leaned into their folk tendencies more heavily, which was the perfect setup for the main event. With that said, I’m sure Sayal’s excellent fiddle playing is showcased in their usual full format, and John Jones’s distinctive voice is bound to stand out in any setting.

A Different Thread are primarily made up of vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Alicia Best of the US, alongside Robert Jackson from the UK on guitar, harmonica, and vocals. In their own words, “We write songs to bring people together, to inspire kindness, and to work towards a brighter future for all”, and there was certainly a feeling of togetherness and warmth in the room throughout the set, with singalong moments embraced by the audience.

This UK tour is to coincide with the release of their latest album Over Again, which has been shaped by a long-awaited move together to North Carolina. Best and Jackson don’t shy away from telling their own very personal story during this show, taking the audience on something of a journey through their partnership and its trials – from long-distance love, forced separation through covid, depression and grief, to reunion and renewal, and how to fit an international touring band into a Fiat 500. They cleverly explore bigger, more outward themes through their own experiences, including social justice and mental health in ways many will connect with.

Musically, A Different Thread display a mix of influences blended perfectly into their own beautiful sound. Celtic elements are no surprise knowing that the pair met while busking on the same street in Ireland, while Americana permeates from Best’s homegrown inspirations. Best talks fondly of Appalachia and the emotionally resonant blues style of the area’s musical history is evident here. Intertwined with folk-rock inspired by the likes of Joni Mitchell, The Cranberries, and Tracy Chapman, these influences create something that feels entirely their own.

Best and Jackson both showcase beautiful vocal talents and deliver stunning harmonies with a personal and musical connection that fills the performance space and leaves the audience feeling that they have got to know the pair intimately. A sense of hope and positivity lingers in the air long after the final notes are played.