Two exciting new bands touring together from across the pond landing in Norwich on a chilly mid-week to start an intense 12 shows in 12 days tour, and the Waterfront Studio was packed out. Both these bands are building glowing reputations and on tonight’s evidence that will continue to be the case.
Headliners The Damn Truth warmed proceedings up with a wonderful version of Jefferson Airplanes White Rabbit before launching into Be Somebody, their recent single release. Killer Whale and Love Outta Luck followed in quick succession, the power and energy levels starting to go into the red. Lee-la Baum, dressed in psychedelic orange, held the audience spellbound while guitarist Tom Shemer and bass player PY Letellier criss-crossed the stage between high intensity bouts of pogoing. It was difficult to know where to look first. This is high energy rock n rock at it’s very best. The intro to The Willow gave us time to catch our breath and listen to Lee-la showcase her vocal range before the band slowly but deliberately ramped up the pace again. Dave Traina pounds his kit signalling the intro to This Is Who We Are Now, the bands manifesto of who they are and where they are going.
By the time we reach All Night Long remarkably the energy being generated onstage is rising even more. If I Don’t Make It Home adds a beautiful balance of light and shade proving again that Lee-la is no one trick pony. The audience swaying along and loving every minute. Tom taking it home with some great bluesy guitar. The menacing Lonely leads us into Only Love, a celebration of life with soaring guitars and rhythmic drumming. Lee-la introduces Look Innocent as the story of her and Tom’s first meeting, it is defiant tale of love and living. The hugely anthemic Tomorrow reaches new heights of power and energy to close a remarkable set. Of course, the fired up audience demanded an encore and the band duly delivered with Love Is Blindness and Devilish Folk. This was a full 90 minutes of high quality, celebratory rock n roll with a bluesy heart, wrapped up in hippie era love with punk edginess and energy. What’s not to love? One of the best shows I’ve seen in a long time.
Earlier in the evening Parker Barrow had set the scene with their own high-octane set of Southern fried blues rock. Twin guitars, keys, bass n drums squeezed onto the small stage before the diminutive whirling dervish of frontwoman Megan Kane bounded on, leading the band into recent single Make It, closely followed by Glass Eyes Crying from the new Hold The Mash release. Megan has an impressive vocal range and stage presence that quickly has the audience on board. Good Times Gone Away and Throwin’ Stones from the Jukebox Gypsies album follow in quick succession, the six musicians on stage impressing with their tightness and ability to interweave. The Healer is a top class Southern rocker that gives the guys the opportunity to stretch out before Novocaine and Count Your Dollars bring to a close a breathless 40 minutes of high class rocking. Parker Barrow will undoubtedly being headlining their own UK tour soon. Watch this band.
WORDS: STEVE YOURGLIVCH
IMAGES: LAURENCE HARVEY
