Bellowhead // OPEN, 09.11.12
Disappointment from the folk Madness...
Odd one this, in that I am slightly disappointed and I really can’t explain why.
First up, Mama Rosin. A sound mix best described as odd served to blight an energetic and enthusiastic performance by the trio from Geneva. Despite the band’s home city, these were songs could have originated deep in the bayou.
Now for the main event. Despite playing some wonderful songs, displaying superb musicianship, clearly had fun and, like Mama Rosin, making me smile, Bellowhead just didn’t spark. They are supposed to be one of the best live bands around and I simply believe that there are better bands out there. Maybe it was an off night, maybe my (long standing and God I wish I could get rid of it) cough/cold meant I was under appreciative. Whatever, it was a good (and possibly very good) gig rather than a great one and, long term, Bellowhead could do for folk what Madness did to ska.
Oh, and a note to OPEN: know your audience. Selling out of ale so early on at a folk gig is poor planning!
6/10 Pavlis
