Sunday kicked off with the ‘Electrifying’ (see what I did there, if you know their songs?) Pearl Handled Revolver!
A midday start did not matter a bit for these delightfully doom-laden blues/electro, sometimes psycho/trance infused rockers, most likely to be found amid the dregs of an espresso coffee cup with a smattering of cigarette ash sprinkled over them. At midnight!
Vocalist and harmonica player Lee Vernon stalked the stage like a master of ceremonies when he wasn’t singing, generously highlighting each of his fellow musicians, indicating how important each one is to the whole sound, although he and keyboard player Simon Rinaldo do appear to command most of the attention, as, combined, they are the obvious meat of this warm and filling dish. Lee behaved like a man possessed by the music, gesticulating and throwing himself about, and in masterful possession of one of the most intense narrational blues-with-a-touch-of-emphatic-rasp voices around. Simon’s playing was a wonder to hear and behold; pounding riffs and trickling improvisations abound, as this band has no bass guitar player, oh no, not necessary as the keys do it all – and seemingly effortlessly! Andy Paris on guitar and Chris Thatcher on drums provide the extra supporting flavours, not just the potatoes and gravy, to this deliciously spicy stew!
Terrific renditions of If the Devil Cast His Net and Belly of the Whale, plus many others, absolutely gave the wonderfully heated room the most appropriate chills! It was all rather delightfully primal, and there was even prog dancing, me amongst those who got up on their feet, although plenty were grooving about in their chairs, so inviting is the unique but evidently Can/Doors influenced sound. I’ve seen these guys play several times in different settings, and for me this was by far their best – and most audience engaged – gig. Many newcomers to this band were absolutely gobsmacked into submission, and rightfully so! (RT)
Bloody Hell, what an opening act for Day Three – Pearl Handled Revolver! This is skilled psychedelic blues that I have not heard the like of since I played a Doors album. Energy, excitement, incredible musicianship, harmonica (oh my God!) and visions of Spaghetti Western movie soundtracks.
Late night, smoky club atmosphere, and it’s only midday. I’ve always been a massive fan of keyboards and I could listen to this all day with Simon Rinado’s tinkling of the Mellotron and Hammond organ ivories; I find my attention shifting constantly between all four band members, being particularly transfixed by Lee Vernon’s exceptional character as front man, with his raw and raspy vocals, and all credit due to Andy Paris (guitars) and Chris Thatcher (drums and percussion). The first note of every song leaves me almost in awe, jaw well and truly dropped. On reflection, my favourite performance of the whole weekend… or am I just in shock? Headliners without any doubt. Every prog fan will love this, and even if you only have a passing interest in The Doors, this is a must for you. I have never seen a whole crowd standing ovation at 1pm on a Sunday, and I’m not likely to again. I’m still choking on my pint… INCREDIBLE! (RS)