Rhythm & Booze An online music webzine created by music lovers for music lovers.

24 April, 2014

The Cracked Actors/Skewwhiff Live @ The Marrs Bar Worcester 19/4/14

Filed under: dub,Live Reviews,new wave,punk,rock,rock n roll,ska — Tags: marrs bar, skewwhiff, the cracked actors, Worcester — willmunn @ 20:56

There’s nothing more reassuring than a packed venue and for Skewwhiff’s album launch party, Worcester’s premier music venue was rammed to the rafters from the off.

cracked

Before the headliners unleashed their recent wares, the assembled masses were treated to Skewwhiff’s handpicked support act of choice 8-piece original skunk rockers (and longtime Rhythm & Booze favourites), The Cracked Actors, a Birmingham band who mix punk ethics with ska and dub grooves to create an infectious groove-laden, attitude fueled sound that makes you want to strut, skank and holler along.

Right from the opening number Writ In Stone, frontman Fudge and his cohorts held the audience in the palm of their hands, choppy punk riffs collide with vigorous horns to  dazzling effect, whilst the rhythm section locked into a tight groove propelling the band forward. From the band’s opening salvo, they continued with the same rich blend with the likes of Puppet On A String, the dub enriched Naked When I Dance and the effervescent, long term favourite Flowers, with each and every track welcomed like a long lost friend by the dancing fraternity.

The Cracked Actors never fail to deliver, the band have a contagious sound that is nigh on impossible to ignore and once again they left me (and by the audience reaction, a great deal many more) wanting more.
skew

By the time Cracked Actors finished their set the audience were suitably warmed up and primed for the main event, Skewwhiff, took to the stage like conquering heroes, guitarist Mark Hogan cranked up the opening riff and they were off, hurtling through their set of spiky indie new wave anthems led by the sultry tones of lead singer, Hannah Raybould (Beanie).

The crowd responded instantly with a further surge towards the front as the quartet ran unleashed the likes of Gizmo, Ska-Whiff and the hook-laden It girl, whilst Skewwhiff’s rendition of it’s Obvious (originally by the Au Pairs) was delivered with all the attitude and swagger of the original.

Skewwhiff live, much like on CD are all about the hooks, whether that’s an instantly memorable vocal or a fuzzy serrated riff, the band’s set was loaded with hook after hook from start to finish and you can’t really ask for more than that.

When I go to a gig, I want to leave with a smile on my face and exhilarated, with The Cracked Actors and Skewwhiff I felt just that, both bands delivered a “Nice Little Upper” and I look forward to seeing both in the near future.

Rhythm & Booze Rating 9

http://www.skewwhiff.org.uk/

https://www.facebook.com/crackedActors99/

 

24 March, 2014

The Dualers Love @ The Robin 2 Bilston 21/3/14

Filed under: indie,Live Reviews,reggae,ska — Tags: bilston, robin 2, the dualers, xova — willmunn @ 21:49

The Dualers at Robin 2 21/03/14

London based festival favourites, The Dualers, were supported by a Birmingham band, who impressed at The Isle of White Festival last summer. XOVA, is a 6 piece, Indie reggae band, sporting a brass section along with the usual guitars, drums and keyboards. Their influences range from Beatles to Marley, though I feel the dominant pulse is Bob Marley. The band write their own material, that reggae beat coming through strongly, opening with ‘Sticks And Stones’, they certainly have a presence on stage. I have to say, that I do not think the sound set up was helping them much as lyrics were confused here at the Robin, and it may be just possible that the crowd were there to hear The Dualers. That would seem a little unfair, this band are worth the effort. I particularly liked the brass opening of ‘New Revolution’, a good reggae number with a thumping bass. The band finished with ‘Tears’ more bone rattling bass in this fast paced song, I’m sure to cross their path again in the future.

Enter The Dualers, this band are a class act, fronted by a charismatic cheeky chappie, Tyber Cranstoun. Aiding and abetting are a, top hatted Peter Lee on lead guitar, Tom Hindley on rhythm guitar, Jason Gale on bass, Dredy on drums, Enoch on keys, and a fabulous horn section, Tim on sax and Raphael on trombone, sadly absent, the trumpet of Paul Bilson could only have taken us to greater heights. That brass unit fires us off into the intoxicating rhythms of ska and reggae, opening with, ‘Rocking Back To Kingston’. The heaving mass of fans squeezed forward onto the wooden boards moving as one to the sound, goaded and provoked into action by Tyber, no doubt there would be many sore bodies in the morning.

The great ska favourite, ‘Message To You Rudi’, drew us all in, melting smoothly into ‘I’m In A Dancing Mood’, how right they were. All were working up a sweat on the ‘dance’ floor, as The Dualers moved on to the menacing ‘Man Next Door’ before we were asked to ‘Take A Trip’. We could not go through the evening without the song that catapulted this band into the charts in 2005; ‘Kiss On The Lips’ was played with the passion implied, the years have not diminished their début single. How to follow the milestone that heralded this wonderful ska, reggae institution that is The Dualers, it had to be, ‘Monkey Man’, Aye Aye Aye, sodden towel draped across his shoulder, Tyber invites everyone to join in with thesteady rhythmic style of the original Maytals song. A fantastic finish to a dynamic night with the Dualers at the Robin, they will be back, make sure you don’t miss them.

 

Words & Pictures Graham Munn

2 March, 2014

The Selecter/Talisman-Gloucester Guildhall 27/2/14

Filed under: Live Reviews,reggae,ska — Tags: gloucester, guildhall, talisman, the selecter — willmunn @ 20:09
The Selecter supported by Talisman – Gloucester Guildhall 27th Feb
Having first seen The Selecter in 1980 and once more in 1992 this was a little bit of nostalgia for me. The first gig in 1980 was one of the most vibrant and liveliest gigs I had ever seen and the question was could they still cut it. I sensed there was a strong expectation in the room. Talisman was a real bonus for me as they are another band who hold fond memories (see my review in SLAP Jan/Feb edition. They played a very good warm up to the main event and they are thoroughly nice guys and all round good eggs. Recommended for any fans of Reggae.
This tour by The Selecter was the 35th anniversary of the album, Too Much Pressure and the opening song was ‘3 Minute Hero’ and from the first note the whole sell out room started dancing creating a wonderful atmosphere. For those not wishing to boogie along it was tricky as the whole floor of this venue moves when the audience does so you moved with it.
The atmosphere in the Guildhall was electric, the temperature rising as more and more crop headed, post punk, devotees re-lived their 80’s, hairlines today greatly assisted by the passing years. It did not lessen the energy, maybe a few joints were creaking, but it wouldn’t show until the morning.
From there it was the whole album including ‘Everyday’, ‘They Make Me Mad’, ‘Missing Words’, ‘Danger’, ‘Street Feeling’, ‘My Collie’, ‘Out On The Streets’, ‘Carry Go Bring Me Home’, ‘Black and Blue’ and the excellent ‘Murder’. Having a great reaction from the room. The promise was that they would play the title track later. At this point I thought well what about James Bond?
Going on to play ‘Celebrate the Bullet’ the title track from the second album followed by their Ska version of the theme from ‘The Avengers’ and new songs called ‘Prince Among Men’ and ‘The Whisper’. Next up was Doris Days ‘Secret Love’ and I am glad to report they did do ‘James Bond’, ‘Last Train to Skaville’, and of course they had to play ‘Too Much Pressure’ and ‘On My Radio’ and finished off with ‘667 (Neighbour of the Beast)’ and ‘Jump’.
The answer to could they still cut it is emphatically yes! Pauline Black couldn’t keep the smile off her face and Arthur “Gaps” Hendrickson danced around the stage like some demented conductor. Wearing a smart grey suit that got wetter and wetter as the gig progressed, I am not sure I have seen anyone sweat so hard for his art. Pauline also has an autobiography out titled ‘Black by Design’ which I am told is an excellent read.
Line up:- Pauline Black (Vocals), Arthur “Gaps” Hendrickson (Vocals), Winston Marche (Drums), The Emperor Mingus (Bass), Neil Pryor (Saxaphone,Flute), Anthony Harty (Guitar), Greg Coulson (Keyboards), and Orlando La Rose (Bass Saxophone and Flute) This guys Bass Sax was nearly as big as he was.
Pictures by Graham Munn and words by Lumpamundo
 

29 December, 2013

The Roving Crows Live @ Watson Hall Tewkesbury 21/12/13

Filed under: folk,Live Reviews,rock,ska — Tags: roving crows, tewkesbury, watson hall — willmunn @ 21:15

Crows Christmas CAWker @ Watson Hall Tewkesbury Dec.21st

DSC09118

This was the annual gathering of our feathered friends, The Roving Crows, holding their Bacchanalia for the converted. A crowded hall of accolades were introduced to some new musical talents by Paul to open the evening.

First up for a clutch of songs was local 15 year old Caiara O’Neil, accompanied by her dad on guitar, Martin. Opening with Mary Black’s ‘Only A Woman’s Heart’, onto ‘Ceelo Green’s ‘Forget You’, and ending with, appropriately, ‘Perfect’ by Fairground Attraction. Caiara has an extraordinary voice for such tender years, will she be a name of the future?

Paul came back to the microphone to welcome Tewkesbury band Future Set to the stage, a 4 piece band of 2 guitars, double bass and cajon. They moved up the pace from gentle folk to an altogether rockier close with ‘Wild Eyed Ambition’.

DSC09119

The Crows arrival on stage was loudly greeted as they fired up into ‘President Garfield’s Night Out’. ‘When I Was Young’ and the delightful ‘Nancy Valentine’, set us on course for the glorious reel that is ‘White Petticoat’, Caitlin fiddling all into a dance frenzy for this maelstrom of musical magic. The atmosphere was conjured up by drummer Tim Tolhurst as the storming performance rolled into ‘The Weather’, the wonderfully paganistic views of dark clouds blown aside by the fantastical thrash of ‘Guns’. The Roving Crows, have rightfully, a devoted following, some of whom have gathered for this show in the gracious surroundings of Watson Hall, Tewkesbury. Caitlin, Paul, Greg, Tim and bassist Loz Shaw provide all with a memorable performance.

With Christmas upon us, what finer present could they offer us than The Pogues ‘Fairytale Of New York’, this has to be the finest piece of seasonal populist music created, accepting the sad demise of Kirsty MacColl it could not have been bettered, than here tonight.

DSC09113

The Roving Crows do not need to stray from there own fantastic library of songs, but following up from their happy go lucky ‘Long Time Dead’ with the lovely sounds blown up by Greg Wilson-Copp on his trumpet is the ‘stolen’ set closure. The fabulous ‘Devil Goes down to Georgia’, is made to measure for this band, and they play it with all the drive and enthusiasm this Charlie Daniels song deserves. This Bacchanalia has been an excellent way of reviving the soul ready for the spirit of Christmas to take over, a warm welcoming experience, that I can look forward to repeating in 2014.

 

Words & Photos By Graham Munn

22 November, 2013

Spunge/Hey You Guys! Live @ The Marrs Bar 12/11/13

Filed under: Live Reviews,punk,rock,ska — Tags: fights and fires, hey you guys!, marrs bar, spunge, Worcester — willmunn @ 16:53

Who would have thought it, a rammed to the rafters Marrs Bar on a Tuesday night all jumping on demand and hollering in unison, it could only mean one thing, the return of local ska legends Spunge!!!

It’s been awhile, far too long in fact (bar an un-announced 15 minute set a year or so ago) since Spunge graced Worcester with their blend of infectious ska pop punk, but to celebrate a newly recorded best of and twenty years in the business they’re back and sounding better than ever, but before I talk about conquering heroes there’s a couple of support acts to mention.

First to take to the floor were local post hardcore/rock n rollers, Fights And Fires, since the last time I caught the band they’ve been busy pounding Europe with their contagious racket and the constant touring really showed, the band delivered a tight and energetic set complete with wandering guitarist and a singer who spent more time in the audience than on stage. The crowd down the front showed their appreciation by bellowing along whilst the band delivered wave after wave of melodic hardcore including a glorious run through set highlight Chase The Blues. The only one criticism I can level at the band was the off microphone shouted introductions, do it once fine, but throughout the whole set, marred an otherwise impressive performance.

If you read my previous appraisal of the debut album by Hey You Guys! or indeed their album launch party gig, you’ll already know I’m something of a fan, well once again  the band delivered a highly engaging, infectious set drawing from the aforementioned album, Gasp! Shock! Horror! and beyond, as the band showcased a couple of brand new tracks. Within seconds of the opening number, frontman Pete careered into the audience as the rest of the band laid down their brash punky foundation, from then on in there was no stopping them as they unleashed their fluid blend of spiky riffs, galloping drums and half spoken/half shouted vocals. Individual highlights are always hard to pick out but once again Difficult Second Album and the 3 Ronnies deserve a special mention.

What can I say about the main event, they delivered a fan favourite set (with a couple of newbies chucked in for good measure) of pogo inducing, fun fuelled, catchier than the common cold, ska influenced pop punk, inciting mass bounce and sing-a-longs. It’s impossible to argue with the likes of Jump On Demand, Ego, Kicking Pigeons, No Woman No Cry and Centrefold, it’s impossible not to be carried away by the groups energy, banter and delivery or the crowds bouyant enthusiasm. Spunge are one of those bands that weld a massive grin on your face right from the opening chord. You don’t go and see Spunge expecting indepth social commentary or mind blowing musicianship, you go expecting to have a good time and that’s exactly what they deliver.

A sweaty audience depart with a smile on their collective faces and a vocal hook or two that takes days to fully exorcise (actually as I write this Kicking Pigeons is still reverberating around my noggin). Let’s hope we don’t have to wait so long for Spunge to return.

Rhythm & Booze Rating 10

 

« Newer Posts — Older Posts »

Powered by WordPress