Support came from local singer/songwriter John McBride. Delivering a mix of pop covers and a few of his own songs, he provided an enjoyable mix in a strong voice and some excellent guitar work. None of the introspection and misery that so often feels the staple fallback position of so may young acts nowadays. An ideal opener for what was to follow.
Which was the full eight piece Merry Hell electric line-up. Drums, bass, keyboards and fiddle at the back, and the four Kettles fronting the line up. That's three brothers - John on guitar, Bob on mandolin and bouzouki and Andrew on lead vocals - and Virginia, wife of John sharing the main singing duties. Together they provide the perfect musical antidote to these crisis-laden times.
MH are a solid folk-rock band from Wigan, singing from their now extensive back catalogue of self penned numbers, with a few new songs to be released on their fourth album later this year. There's not much in the way of musical fireworks or experimentation. Just solid professional musicianship, in which fiddler Neil McCartney's solos stand out, complete with a shovel tuned to F. If that sounds like just another folkie bunch of rockers I should add that there are three things that make Merry Hell stand out.
Firstly, there's the songs themselves. Memorable melodies and well crafted lyrics, often laugh-out-loud funny. With impeccable left wing credentials, they tackle a number of subjects of modern relevance. There's the usual suspects - anti war, the venality of politicians and bankers, a strong emphasis on community - but with a very forward looking slant. However they are perhaps at their best with songs like Bury Me Naked and Loving The Skin You're In which focus on the need to find your own identity, unconfined by the stereotypes pushed on us by the media.
Secondly, those singers. Andrew's sandpaper lined throat and Virginia's sweet soaring soprano are the perfect complement and contrast to one another. Expressive, humane and full of warmth.
Whilst both the above are also a recommendation to get hold of their CDs, my third comment is what makes them such a special live act. Charisma. Merry Hell are one of those bands who only have to walk on stage and fire up the first few bars for it to feel like the sun has appeared from behind the clouds. They are theatrical, funny, down to earth, infectious. They are clearly having a good time up there, so why shouldn't audience, and the steady flow of foot tappers ensures that's the case.
Merry Hell are one of the UK folk scene's finest live acts. Joyous.
No comments:
Post a Comment