Although I’m often to be found helping out local siren DARKHER in all my usual capacities, last weekend reminded me just why the music draws me in.

The final dates of an intimate candlelit tour alongside GRIFT and CARCASS OF SIGHS, it fell to Stephen and Karen of The Velvet Sheep to handle merchandise and door duties. With my role in the proceedings relegated to driving and mildly-moral support, I could give Jayn’s performance the attention it deserves.

This weekend was one of contrasts, with Saturday showcasing the full band at Hebden Bridge. Veteran guitarist Daniel Land was drafted back into the fold – also opening with his thoughtful solo work. Grift’s wistful reminiscence stood between, as Erik Gärdefors invited the listener to appreciate tender moments of silence in deference to the Scandinavian wilderness.

Then lush sonic soundscapes spilled from the stage of The Trades Club, and all in attendance were engulfed by Darkher’s doom-swept intensity. A few of us swung our hair at the appropriate moments, but most stood awestruck in appreciation, enraptured by the storm.

A gentler refrain was present on Sunday, where once again Todmorden Unitarian Church was transformed into a temple of introspection. Songs once awash in distortion now pared down to a fragile sincerity. An artist and an acoustic guitar, baring her soul in song. With Gareth Hodgson’s experimental percussion reinforcing, but never overwhelming, the delicate atmosphere.

Many visitors from all over Europe came to Yorkshire and beyond for this tour. With new friendships made and old camaraderie reinforced in conversation, it was more than just a simple set of shows.

It was a homecoming.

Eschewing post-gig sleep to drive Erik to an early-morning flight back to Sweden; the dreamlike qualities of Darkher’s music were ever-prevalent.

I’m proud to have done my part, slight as it may have been.