REVIEW: The Dunwells, Forty-Five Vinyl Cafe, York, on Sunday, September 20, 2026
Words and photos by Gareth John
FOR The Dunwells, playing a sold out Forty-Five Vinyl Cafe felt more like a family gathering than a gig, with brothers Joe and Dave Dunwell delivering a performance packed with stories, laughter, reflection and songs that have soundtracked a remarkable journey from Pudsey open mic nights to the American charts.
The duo have opened for the likes of Mumford and Sons and Tom Jones and recently joined Simon Cowell’s Syco Entertainment and Universal Music Publishing Group as professional songwriters.
Tonight. the intimate setting of Forty-Five Vinyl Cafe suited them perfectly. Between songs, the brothers displayed the humour and humility that have become as much a part of their identity as the soaring harmonies that first turned heads over a decade ago.
Hearing the tale of those early open mic nights, painstakingly learning their craft and eventually receiving an offer to take to a stage at a free (to attend) festival in Memphis was a reminder that success rarely arrives overnight.
A £6,000 pay-to-play commitment, five band members, a leap of faith across the Atlantic and a subsequent record deal followed. It was a gamble that paid off handsomely when I Could Be A King found its way into the US Top 20.
Yet despite their achievements, and now firmly established as a duo, The Dunwells remain wonderfully grounded. References to family, fame and the choices required to balance both ran throughout the evening. They sang and spoke candidly about still trying to work everything out, a refreshing honesty that resonated deeply with the audience.
Musically, the set drew from across their catalogue. Break My Fall, Blind Sighted Faith and Short Stories showcased the rich vocal blend that first put them on the map, while Coffee and Learning to Live Life demonstrated a band still capable of producing uplifting, emotionally charged songwriting.
The new songs provided plenty of evidence that the creative well remains far from dry. The band revealed that a fifth album is nearing completion, aided by the freedom that comes from running their own studio.
New material included 90s Kid, inspired by growing up in that decade and revisiting the songs which shaped them through charity shop CDs purchased during a recent tour.
A standout this evening was new song Coffee which was cleverly blended with fan favourite Lucky Ones.
The evening's most moving moments came with songs shaped by life's transitions. I Owe You explored the emotions of leaving one’s rented home to buy another, reflecting on the stories walls absorb and memories they quietly hold.
The brand-new I Feel You, written for anyone who has lost someone, brought a hush across the room and demonstrated the band's gift for turning universal experiences into deeply personal songs.
Dave took centre stage for the excellent Borrow Me, while another new number, Learning To Live Life, hinted at the direction of the forthcoming album.
By the time the crowd were singing along to All Time High and the beautiful Animal, the atmosphere had become a stunned appreciation.
What emerged most clearly was that The Dunwells are still evolving. The journey from Yorkshire open mics to international success remains central to their story, but it does not define them. More than anything, this was a reminder that great songs, genuine warmth and hard-earned authenticity never go out of style.
Forty-Five Vinyl Cafe could hardly have asked for a better showcase of all three.
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