Feb
14
Written by:
carrie
Monday, February 14, 2011
Its Saturday night, Camden Town and all that’s missing is a dose of alternative music to enlighten the senses at tonight’s venue, The Dublin Castle. After a couple of expensive rounds about town, my wish is that the 6 English pounds I handed over at the doors of the concert hall in this nicely presented pub venue would provide fantastic value for money. Thankfully my wish was granted.
After an uninspiring start from the opening band, second band ‘Five Working Days’ took to the stage, instantly throwing out an incredible array of energetic Indie tunes. It clearly captured the imagination of the crowd as all eyes bore down on this 5 piece from South East London. At first it was difficult to notice anything but the musical talents of the band’s female trumpet player, who rather than chipping in with the occasional instrumental, featured heavily throughout. The trumpet sound interwove expertly with the lead guitarist who was every bit as talented to make this Ska infused effect work so well.
In fact, synchronised guitar and trumpet solos are the signature of several of the songs on show and when the sudden bursts of energy thrown your way it was difficult for the crowd not to capture this energy and show their very own synchronised foot tapping as a mark of appreciation.
On songs ‘Die If You Do’ and ‘What Do You Get’, the Ska aspect offers a refreshing touch, separating their sound from most generic guitar bands on the market and coupled with the fact that the individual talent of every member of the band is unquestioned they come highly recommended as a live group. The use of trumpet is at times is reminiscent of The Zutons, only with the energy levels cranked up to more explosive levels.
Clearly not afraid to use their versatile talents, for a portion of the set the bass guitarist took the lead vocals and rhythm guitar allowing the lead singer to take to the bass guitar. On first listen the occasions on which this happened didn’t weaken their catalogue of songs by any stretch of the imagination, which added even more weight to the potential of this band as a fantastically entertaining live group.
The font man of the band appears charismatic, slightly arrogant and portrays the swagger that is perhaps required of any standout guitar band, something sorely missing from alternative music the current market. Whether there’s enough exposure for this band to take the next step remains to be seen, however on tonight’s showing this talented group haven’t done any harm to their chances.
After the closing song a section of the crowd called out for one more, a clear indicator that the audience were well and truly warmed up and entertained. A one fingered signal (the middle finger possibly) to the DJ booth to heed to the crowds request was followed by a swift shake of the head from the DJ. Definite spoil sport if you ask me.
http://www.myspace.com/fiveworkingdays
Copyright ©2011 Phil Fitzpatrick