The Whybirds + Alias + Pearl Handled Revolver + Jub - 25th September 2009
Reviewed by Karen Jones
Taking the headline slot tonight are The Whybirds. This local band have recently been described by Americana UK as "The hardest working and hardest rocking band in Britain right now". Quite an accolade, but a good reflection of just how highly they are regarded. Recently this multi-talented band have revelled in some raw, stripped down acoustic shows. During the summer months I managed to catch a couple and watched them bask in their all-too-quiet glory. At present, this hirsute quartet are preparing for the release of their new album called "Cold Blue Sky". Launch night is 7th November at The Relentless Garage, Islington. An essential purchase if the last album is anything to go by. Plus, they have been working with legendary producer Elliot Mazer (Neil Young). The set includes songs from that hotly anticipated offering. "Morning light" opens with Luke's declaration "If you need me tonight, I'll be there".
As per usual, collective vocals take over. The divine "Jenny, can we take a ride?" is a perennial live favourite which has now been placed on to disc. Sometimes their uplifting sounds gloss over a typical backdrop of someone articulating or contemplating their torn or damaged heart. As the set progresses, we stroll through a passage of timeless countryesque landscapes topped and tailed by a lite-rock edge. It does get a tad heavier with "Four little letters", complete with an elongated jam finale. With a small smattering of alternative country, the song writing masterclass continues as The Whybirds display such a commendable level of control and, above all, invention. "Wild wild wind" is just beautiful, awe-inspiring and gloriously out on a limb with the whole of this area. Another familiar tune is "Girl is on fire". It seemingly brings ripples of taut emotional feelings that create wave after wave of aesthetic intrigue. Is it the beauty or is it the power that is the key to this stimulating show? As they leave the stage after "Before I go crazy", loud applause and appreciation rings out. An encore is dealt with in a fitting way. A couple of days ago, Bruce Springsteen celebrated his 60th birthday, so naturally The Whybirds offer their best wishes by performing a cover of "Rosalita". It seems The Boss has a few new apprentices!
The two following bands put in sets that only seemed to enhance their burgeoning reputations. Firstly Alias, who since their last Esquires visit have had success by winning The Horn's "Battle of The Bands" competition in St Albans. Confidence has naturally increased and the boys include a couple of new songs, one of which has never been played live before. I can report that both contain that distinctive Alias sound. An intense melange of vocal dexterity, drummer frenzy and a cure all ills melody. All this and "24 wasted hours" which is performed superbly.
Pearl Handled Revolver return for some more echo-laden psychedelic sonics. Their style could be best described as late 60's Doors meets early 90's Flaming Lips. Led by the dapperly dressed vocalist Lee, who appears to be the true epitome of cool. His Marlboro ravaged vocals cords produce such a raspy sound. In fact, so gravelly are they, you could almost park a Honda Civic on them! The stand out "Walk on by" is an ideal introduction. The cohesive unit of PHR busily constructs such sonic sounds of percussive intent. Melodic codas abound. An element of variation occurs with the 'Mexicana' sound of "Today was the day". It owes so much to the dexterous efforts of all band members. Pearl Handled Revolver's next Esquires visit is, according to Lee, due to be on New Year's Eve. He tells us in no uncertain terms to "get your arses down here". The appeal of these three bands stretches to the number of members of other bands in attendance. As one respected local musician said to me at the end of the evening "Not bad value for 6 quid.".
Opening the evening are Jub. A trio whose spirited set is well received by the early arrivals.