I had to laugh when I first heard their songs, I just thought they were a spoof Who band. The rough and ready garage sound from this three piece borrows heavily from Pete Townsend's early songwriting style. In fact, Rolling Stone magazine described them as;
"...bare-bones guitar, bass and drums; classic British-freak-beat song hooks and vocal harmonies; ...songs that roll over you like a mono copy of The Who Sing My Generation, in just half an hour. And no one in the 3 is named Len. Or Price."
The drummer even looks similar to Keith Moon - see this picture of their second album cover for proof (he's the short one). Yes, all very pleasant, poppy and sixties tinged, but can they really sound that good live? Does Roger Daltrey own a trout farm? In a word - yes.
I walked through the doors of The Dirty Water club just after the start of their set and they were already making the whole place vibrate on their enthusiastic performance alone. Not only do they play tighter than a gnat's chuff, but they're an exhilarating band to watch. A loyal Medway following made the journey from Kent to support their local boys who helped forge the rousing atmosphere of the gig which was clearly seen and heard during the band's rendition of "Comanche". By the end of their set they got a big thumbs up, a hearty round of applause and warm cheers all round. It'll be interesting to hear how the newer songs that were played live that night turn out in the studio, I suspect they'll be quite satisfying, seeing as though Graham Day has been sitting in the producer's chair. Quite fitting then, that the next band on stage where Graham Day & the Gaolers. Funny, that.
Not to worry though. Mr Day has plenty of experience when it comes to top notch songcrafting, the proof is there for all to hear if you've had the good fortune of listening to their first album. For those unfamiliar with Graham's garage past, here's a clip (from a Friday night music show that was known as The Tube) of British garage bands from the mid-eighties. This shows Graham when he fronted The Prisoners featuring Jamie Taylor on keys (later of James Taylor Quartet fame) and all resplendent in rather fetching Star Trek suits. Also featured are The Stingrays, The Tall Boys and Billy Childish and The Milkshakes - see if you can spot Tracey Emin in the audience / hanging from Billy's neck.
OK, that's the history lesson over with. I didn't want to hark on about the past, it's just something for the younger readers to get an idea of where this type of music came from and how it's developed over the years.
Back to the present (Graham) day at last Friday's proceedings at The Dirty Water Club. For this group, Graham is joined by Dan Elektro on drums and Buzz Hagstrom on bass (both members of The Woggles). It's yet another stonking trio that know how to throw forth a joyous noise from the club PA, noise which the audience feel right at home with and no mistake. Spirited renditions of "Soundtrack to the Daily Grind" and "Part Time Dad" (as well as newer material) was enjoyed by a sizeable (Dick Scum was spotted) and grateful crowd. Unfortunately I had to make a beeline for the last train home so I missed the end of their set, shame.
