The Blueskins @ Faversham
By Andy Buchan
Never saw it myself, but full Brucey bonus points for the transformation of the Fav. Once noted for its triple Moldovan vodka's that were a liver defying £1.50, it made a great host for Saturday's inaugural Bad Sneakers.
The night began with the terribly titled Loudmouth Soup. Bounding in somewhere between late Rolling Stones and employing a melodic Kinks vibe to good effect, their opener 'People' brings a fresh edge to their influences. With the band confident and chatty, their multi-instrumental approach gave the set real impetus with the tapping feet and nodding heads a sign of syncopated approval.
This was all obliterated however with a jaw dropping speed change towards the end of the set. More rock than country roll, it threatened to tear the roof of with its thunderously archived pop and hammering piano loop. More worryingly, a feedback frenzy that was anything but static groaned through the crowd as the sound man sloped off to the bar, only just dashing back as the next sonic boom threatened to de-ear you. Still, it was a tip-top set that rollicked and rolled in all the right places.
The break was then spent counting the number of Peanut hats in the crowd (an Oh My God four) whilst dancing to forgotten classics. Leeds glitterati were also enjoying themselves, with Sam from 10,000 Things being all mean and moody in up turned leather.
"Bluuuueeskinnnnnnsss." Arriving onstage to animated chants and swamped in red neon lights, the four Wakefield lads stride onstage. Launching straight into their chorus driven, hillbilly blues, it's clear from the outset the band have discovered a captivating persona to back up their scuzz-rock debut, 'Word of Mouth'.
Whether it's the confident banter or the off the cuff solos that extend the dreamy "Girl" into a bass beating behemoth, the bands recent recording trip to New Yoik has given their sugarcoated, blues infused manifesto real conviction. "Love is Law" sounds like a Beach Boy harmony being buggered by the banjo boy from Deliverance, while "Stupid Ones" is a kick in the (blue)balls to those not here.
There's even a duel mid "Magpie Blues" as guitarist Richey (think Squire/Lennon's lovechild) and Ryan (a glorious, 40-a-day growl) battle it out for centre stage like squabbling brothers. After just one chorus in the red limelight, Ryan orders the young upstart back with a "not on my patch sunshine" glare. Ouch.
It's all proof however that The Blueskins have moved on up. Perhaps realising their potential, and the 5 deep po-going frenzy was proof of that, the band have a real swagger that suits their rocket-loaded blues. Explosive, dynamic and clearly delighted, they leave the crowd howling for more.
