CODE SWITCH THEORY/AMY DX/HUGH MCMANNERS
Donkey Venue August 3rd 2023
My first visit to one of Paul Collins "First Thursday"... and first up tonight was Hugh McMannersHugh is impossible to categorize, he is simply Hugh McManners, his own man. He is these days generally playing solo acoustic, basically folky these days, but while supporting two rock bands played most of his songs more in the style of his band, The Linden Tree Band, and for the most part the psychedelic and rock elements of his performance worked beautifully in this setting, though there were a few little crackles and glitches, not that they adversely affected the performance. Hugh has a "Lived In" voice, and personna, and an easy appealing stage manner which perfectly complement his excellent songs... i particularly enjoyed the opening story song "Indian" (a motorbike). Hugh introduced one song by saying that no evening was complete without a Beatle song... and he played one of the great, though rarely covered, ones... A Day in the Life... and made fine job of it.
Excellent set, thoroughly enjoyed it.
Next up was a band i had never heard of, AMY DX. This was a five piece led by Amy on keyboard and vocals. Another band difficult to categorise...they did mainly original songs, the first of which I felt had echoes of Fleetwood Mac (the Nicks/Perfect version) and the following song was a cover of their "Go your own way" which rocked along beautifully, as did the other cover, a song by PJ Harvey. Their own songs were also rocky but much "gentler" in nature... and fine songs. Amy has a cracking voice and sings wonderfully, the band are also excellent, with some fine guitar work, and support her well.
The one negative is that they need to work on the overall stage presence and between songs banter... having said that, after the performance i learned that Amy has been working as a solo singer songwriter and this was one of the first handful of gigs for the band... the stage presence will come with gigging and experience, and they will be a quality band...
Headlining were CODE SWITCH THEORY. i've seen them before as a duo, and was a bit unsure about them, i found the music a bit inaccesible... however tonight i was surprised to see a vocalist and bass player now in the band and those reservations are gone... this was a damn good rock band playing a great set. They played with energy and style, and fine musicianship.The vocalist was clearly the focal point of the band, and has a strong clear voice delivering the songs with energy and great style. The band as a whole were excellent and delivered a poppy form of rock that was hugely enjoyable and high class.
Overall, this was a hugely enjoyable evening with three fine acts
Keep music live... keep music real... support your local venues
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