Friday 23rd August 2024 I’m back at the Irish Club in Warrington, which is now a well established hub for live music. Offering notonly the best tributes in the UK, but showcasing local talent and offers huge names performing acoustically in an up close and intimate environment. Tonight’s goes further, not only do we have a 90s legendary act as headline, but we get a full band performance! The Bluetones! Set to release their first new material in 14 years this year and a new album followed by a full UK tour this autumn/winter.
Tonight’s event is among a run of summer festival appearances and more intimate gigs as well as some acoustic performances, and has been much talked about and, speaking for tonight’s venue, eagerly anticipated. As we arrive at our 250 capacity venue for this, a standing event, it’s already feeling busy, and there s such an air of excitement which can be felt throughout – “Gig feels” I like to call it, and there’s nothing better (other than when the actual gig is in full swing of course).
Support – the Ambersons (acoustic set)
Local band, the Ambersons, open for us tonight with a stripped back, acoustic set. Fresh from headlining the Warrington Music Fest this summer, they’re normally a 6 piece outfit, but tonight we have 2 – front man, Midge, and Ben on acoustic guitar, although the rest of the band are here in the crowd, supporting.
A very pure performance, laid back, very relaxed with both our band members seated. There is a very genuine and wholesome feel. All original material is performed; songs have an indie folk feel overall but newer tracks have a real Beatlesque sound. Guitar is melodic and vocal is mellow and steady. Upbeat feeling yet slower paced – feet are definitely tapping throughout the set.
I’ve seen the Ambersons many times now, but always full band, so to see a set like this is a rare treat. It’s explained that a few of the songs haven’t been performed for many years. A lovely, gentle and feel good start for tonight, which truly held the attention of a now bustling crowd, and was very well received indeed.
The Bluetones – headline
Straight after arriving on stage, it’s announced that’s it’s to be straight into it, no nonsense and we’re promised a lively set full of classic bangers with a few new songs. Let me assure you, this promise is kept and delivered to the fullest and then some. In a mesmerising swirl of musical magic our set begins.
Straight away I’m hit by how tight this is, the sound is excellent right from the first song. Very nostalgia fuelling, it transports us right back, so many fond memories come rushing back. High vibrational, it’s feel good at its best, up tempo and pacey; it’s now absolutely banging in here, the crowd utterly devouring these sounds. No one is still for a second and everyone’s singing along, it’s a room filled with beaming smiles, but that’s how the Bluetones sound makes us feel, it’s always been uplifting, happy making stuff.
Performance is energetic, very enthusiastic and with vigour, and between sets there is humour and
“festival themed” banter which goes down well. Upward spiraling bass lines soar – melodic and warm, whilst spidery guitar lines glitter and shimmer. Keys are atmospheric and bring that retro 60s but firmly in the 90s sound.
Drumbeats are skippy and free and the vocal filled with warmth, a honey like tone, free and light and honestly perfect, just like on recordings! Very clean sound, fresh and crisp and of its own kind, that Bluetones sound. This band genuinely has created their own sound which has stayed current and vibrant over the decades. New material is performed and goes down incredibly well with this
‘ravenous for more’ crowd.
Catchy, upbeat and real snappy with more joyous feels. The energy throughout our venue is one of happiness, celebration of much loved anthems and a real party feel, a trip down Memory Lane with one of the zeitgeists of an era of music, one we’ll happily visit any time. The Bluetones really delivered and seem to have not aged in 30 odd years – surely this music is magical then? One of my favourite gigs ever, it has been magical.
PHOTO CREDIT EDI LEES
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