The George Cowley ExperienceMarrs Bar, WorcesterFriday 4 April 2008
Review by Dr Emily Payne
It is a truth universally acknowledged that, if a show opens with the bands front-man baptising the audience in wine, a splendid time is guaranteed for all.And thus was the case at The George Cowley Experiences latest gig, at Worcesters Marrs Bar.As usual, the Cowleys combined the sartorial avant-garde (Spiderman and a cleric on stage in beautiful harmony) with local tales and rocking folky sounds.
The set featured timeless performances of crowd-pleasing Cowley favourites such as Silver Mobility Scooter, Hallow Llama Drama, Checkout Girls, and Pig in a Blanket, which had the fans dancing in joyous amateur synchronicity.One highlight was a rendition of Sweet Little Bungalow featuring local blues legend Poor Bob Jones on harmonica.
A wealth of new material was played too, which proved that the Cowleys creativity, musicianship, and variety of styles are growing with each album that they record and each performance that they give.Reg Box Tireless Fundraiser is a heart-warming and mellow number about the eponymous selfless hero.Pies is a sad and angry tale of a lovelorn man whose capricious lover has eaten all the pies from their communal fridge.Catherine Brewers Legs is a punky confessional song about an illicit photograph of an enigmatic woman.The Legend of the Black Bond is a chilled-out rap with religiously informed lyrics which provided a neat counterpoint to the jolly irreverent baptism that opened the set.Guitarist Tommy Popes song Stand for Something is an ultra-cool blues number which could inspire even the most apathetic amongst us to believe in a cause and stand for it.
This was a musically accomplished and barnstormingly fun set which confirms the Cowleys place at the forefront of the Worcester live music scene.Cowley cognoscenti and new fans alike should eagerly await the release of the Cowleys new album Not Dead Yet their best yet on 30 May.
Dr Emily Payne28 April 2008
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