The Bonnevilles and support - Aunt Annies, Belfast
The Bonnevilles, Jonny Black, Tony McHugh,ÌýCedric Has A Name, Paul Corrigan, Jamie Neish, Gowaine McKenna
Auntie Annie's, Belfast
Thursday 28th July
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So, the great Northern Irish summer is almost over for another year, and with exception to Belsonic and Electric Picnic, many of the more established music events have already came and went. Still, not to worry, eh? If ever there was a way to shake off the old Post-Glasgowbury Depression, blues-rock two-piece The Bonnevilles heading a diverse bill featuring six support artists should certainly do the trick.
That said, considering the line-up tonight it's only natural to expect a broad range of talents; some accomplished, others less so. falls comfortably into the latter. Whether due to inexperience or otherwise, his middle-of-the-road set makes for a lacklustre start, and while there's no mistaking his good intentions, awkward covers including 'Ticket To Ride' and 'Dancing In The Dark' serve only to emphasise the austerity of his own material.
Thankfully, though, drummer with indie-rockers Jamie Neish is next. Tonight, however, sees Neish take to the stage as a solo artist in his own right, and despite early technical difficulties, the endearingly understated 'Gentleman John' and closer 'Goes Down Deep' conjure both early Biffy Clyro and the concise compositions of Damien Rice. Neish is one to watch.
If McKenna embodies an inhibited approach tonight, and Neish a relatively extroverted one, occupies a place somewhere in between, i.e. opening with the brilliantly shrewd 'Worriers' his set balances both the outward and the inward; playful, improvisational blues and some boldly impassioned musings. With interludes hinting at Jeff Buckley's more vulnerable episodes, beguiling closer 'Sweet Talkin'' and a cover of Johnny Cash's 'Big River' prove popular and suggest fines things to come.
Next up, a little over a month since the release of his debut EP in this very room, Chris Steenson AKA returns to perform six tracks both old and new. And while certain peaks of his characteristically lo-fi set is obscured by an increasingly animated crowd, the likes of the deceptively anthemic 'Let's Go Out Now' and new song, 'After Image', warrant rapt attention from many.
is next, a musician whose unorthodox approach to songwriting is matched only by his technical wizardly. Somewhere between the virtuosity of 'Never Know', signature tune 'The Beer Song', and an uncanny cover of Ed Sheerin's interpretation of 'Wayfarin' Stranger', McHugh's range reveals him to be a capable hybrid of Incubus's Brandon Boyd vocally, and Newton Faulker and Tommy Emmanuel musically.
Still, as if all that wasn't enough support, LaFaro’s Jonny Black emerges to conclude this phase in typically wry fashion. And, in possession of an almighty facility for Travis-picked country folk as he is, his songs prove distinctive and transfixing throughout. In fact, despite more technical difficulties resulting in having to borrow Steenson's guitar, several originals and a hypnotic cover of Leadbelly's 'John Hardy' reveal a talent as evocative of John Fahey as it is Joe Strummer.
Alas, after a stellar night fiercely indicative of NI’s rife solo talent, The Bonnevilles, suited and indeed booted, arrive to let loose in ways only they know how. And the timing couldn't be better judged for, as tonight's sufficiently lubricated audience edge toward vibes positively merry, an uncompromising dose of Andy and Chris's groove-laden blues-rock is just what's required. In all, the likes of 'Hard Tale Lurgan Blues' and 'Good Shoes and Fighting Boots' sound more riotous than ever before and, despite a bust amp bringing closing ruckus 'C'mon' to an abrupt end, thrilled applause follows tonight’s arse-shakingly jaunty set. Seven artists for five quid - not bad. Best of all, there goes the old Post-Glasgowbury Depression for another year.
Brian Coney
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