THE Quireboys headlined the Blues Stage on Sunday at Ramblin Man Fair and produced a storming set.
Minutes before they took to the stage at Mote Park in Maidstone we grabbed a few minutes with Guy and he explained how their new album came into being...
Showing posts with label The Quireboys. Show all posts
Showing posts with label The Quireboys. Show all posts
Wednesday, August 02, 2017
Monday, April 10, 2017
LIVE REVIEW: Too Much Of A Good Thing? Not when The Qurieboys play The Diamond Rock Club
AUDIENCE drunk, band half-cut, PA booming out - all boxes ticked for The Quireboys playing the Diamond Rock Club - 'This Is Rock 'n' Roll' and this was rock 'n' rill in its finest, glorious excess.
There is always a sense of occasion when Spike and co play, and the camaraderie between the band and the audience is no forced shenanigan, but is rather an intimacy that comes not from excessive adoration, but from a forged friendship rather than over familiarity.
Getting the party started were the Last Great Dreamers. Since the resurrection of the band three years ago there is a sense of reclaiming lost time, a determination to stun once more.
With their latest release 'Last Transmission From Oblivion' receiving acclaim their set on Saturday (8th April) captures their diverse soundscape.
Tracks such as 'Crash Landing in Teenage Heaven' and 'No 1 Wonderboy' receive a warm welcome from a crowd that isn't half as dapper looking as the Last Great Dreamers.
With this the second night of The Quireboys two night stand in the Diamond the band seem relaxed as they mingle beforehand and chat amiably.
But any sense that they were not going to rip it up on stage disappears the moment they mount the stage. 'Too Much Of A Good Thing'? Nah, never enough of the good things that The Quireboys provide.
Guy and Paul trade smooth licks as Keith provides the texture from the keys - and while the band could always rely on the hits from the 80s, the fact that they have released an album a year from 2013 to 2016 means they have as many new(ish) tracks to air.
'Twisted Love' and 'Mona Lisa Smiled' are among the many highlights as the vagabond gypsy rockers keep it all in the right mood.
The melancholia of lost love is matched by the music of triumph, emerging from real heartbreak through to passion re-discovered.
Sure 'Hey You' is aired, but the newer tracks are those that capture the aural tracts, ensnare the senses and urge you to enjoy another quaff of alcohol bliss.
Being joined on stage Last Great Dreamers just adds to the sense of a party that could have went on all night.
Review by Jonathan Traynor
Pictures by Lizzie Torbitt
There is always a sense of occasion when Spike and co play, and the camaraderie between the band and the audience is no forced shenanigan, but is rather an intimacy that comes not from excessive adoration, but from a forged friendship rather than over familiarity.
Getting the party started were the Last Great Dreamers. Since the resurrection of the band three years ago there is a sense of reclaiming lost time, a determination to stun once more.
With their latest release 'Last Transmission From Oblivion' receiving acclaim their set on Saturday (8th April) captures their diverse soundscape.
Tracks such as 'Crash Landing in Teenage Heaven' and 'No 1 Wonderboy' receive a warm welcome from a crowd that isn't half as dapper looking as the Last Great Dreamers.
With this the second night of The Quireboys two night stand in the Diamond the band seem relaxed as they mingle beforehand and chat amiably.
But any sense that they were not going to rip it up on stage disappears the moment they mount the stage. 'Too Much Of A Good Thing'? Nah, never enough of the good things that The Quireboys provide.
Guy and Paul trade smooth licks as Keith provides the texture from the keys - and while the band could always rely on the hits from the 80s, the fact that they have released an album a year from 2013 to 2016 means they have as many new(ish) tracks to air.
'Twisted Love' and 'Mona Lisa Smiled' are among the many highlights as the vagabond gypsy rockers keep it all in the right mood.
The melancholia of lost love is matched by the music of triumph, emerging from real heartbreak through to passion re-discovered.
Sure 'Hey You' is aired, but the newer tracks are those that capture the aural tracts, ensnare the senses and urge you to enjoy another quaff of alcohol bliss.
Being joined on stage Last Great Dreamers just adds to the sense of a party that could have went on all night.
Review by Jonathan Traynor
Pictures by Lizzie Torbitt
Thursday, January 12, 2017
NEWS: The Quireboys release Breaking Rocks single and video ahead of Diamond Rock Club dates
YOU all set for The Quireboys appearance on two nights at the Diamond Rock Club on Friday, April 7th and Saturday April 8th?
Yes, the reborn rock and roll reprobates The Quireboys will be plugging in and partying hard as per usual.
Their new video / single 'Breaking Rocks' is at the end of this post.
A 10-date run of UK acoustic shows this December brings down the curtain on another landmark year for the supercharged six-piece.
But there’s no rest for the wicked where Spike and co. are concerned and the boys are back in Ahoghill in a matter of weeks.
Lauded as their loudest and proudest album for 25 years, 'Twisted Love' screams heartache, passion, tears and tension. And it’s time for the record’s most powerful themes to be unleashed.
“We made this record with a full-on rock and roll show in mind,” said guitarist Guy Griffin. “The songs are some of the strongest we’ve ever written and that comes across best when all six of us are on stage and the volume is turned up.”
Not since the band’s early 90s heyday have The Quireboys sounded so compelling and so relevant. The bittersweet title track, bullish 'Breaking Rocks' and terrific 'Ghost Train' reveal a band going back to the future and back to what they always did best.
And if The Quireboys have proved themselves masters of an intimate and intriguing unplugged experience, then rocking out remains their traditional calling card.
“We played a handful of fully plugged shows in the UK earlier this year and the response to the new songs was tremendous,” added Griffin. “Those gigs gave us the confidence to dig deep into Twisted Love on the next tour and we can’t wait.”
Twisted Love is The Quireboys’ 10th studio album and the sound of a band enjoying a creative rebirth and a rich vein of songwriting form. More than 30 years after bursting onto the UK’s rock and roll scene their incendiary live shows continue to set the standard for the next generation of homegrown heroes.
The Quireboys are: Spike (vocals) - Guy Griffin (guitar) - Paul Guerin (guitar) - Keith Weir (keyboards) - Nick Mailing (bass) - Dave McCluskey (drums), as if you didn't know that already!.
Friday, November 18, 2016
NEWS: The Quireboys to land with full electric set for two-night stand in the Diamond Rock Club
THE gypsies of rock 'n' roll, the troubadours telling tales of broken hearts, the men who can make you weep and smile at the same time, the band who have more melancholic melodies are coming back to Northern Ireland for a two-date stand.They will play a full-electric set in the Diamond Rock Club, Ahoghill on Friday, April 7th and Saturday April 8th.
These will be the only dates on the island of Ireland on the Twisted Love Tour.
Spike and co have always been faithful visitors to Belfast and Ahoghill, and given the strength of the past number of albums, not to mention the bucket loads of hits to their name these are two nights that will shift like the proverbial from a stick.
Lauded as their loudest and proudest album for 25 years, Twisted Love screams heartache, passion, tears and tension. And it’s time for the record’s most powerful themes to be unleashed.
“We made this record with a full-on rock and roll show in mind,” said guitarist Guy Griffin. “The songs are some of the strongest we’ve ever written and that comes across best when all six of us are on stage and the volume is turned up.”
Not since the band’s early 90s heyday have The Quireboys sounded so compelling and so relevant. The bittersweet title track, bullish Breaking Rocks and terrific Ghost Train reveal a band going back to the future and back to what they always did best.
And if The Quireboys have proved themselves masters of an intimate and intriguing unplugged experience, then rocking out remains their traditional calling card.
“We played a handful of fully plugged shows in the UK earlier this year and the response to the new songs was tremendous,” added Griffin. “Those gigs gave us the confidence to dig deep into Twisted Love on the next tour and we can’t wait.”
Twisted Love is The Quireboys’ 10th studio album and the sound of a band enjoying a creative rebirth and a rich vein of songwriting form. More than 30 years after bursting onto the UK’s rock and roll scene their incendiary live shows continue to set the standard for the next generation of homegrown heroes.
The Quireboys are: Spike (vocals) - Guy Griffin (guitar) - Paul Guerin (guitar) - Keith Weir (keyboards) - Nick Mailing (bass) - Dave McCluskey (drums).
Wednesday, July 13, 2016
NEWS: The Quireboys to releases August EP and September LP
WE make no bones about it, we love The Quireboys. And, when news came out today that the gypsy rock 'n' rollers were to release a new EP ahead of a new album the floors of metal mansions reverberated with the sound of delighted rockers dancing in joy.
As if that wasn't enough to keep us happy it's the fact that the band are going to rock it out with guitars to the max.
Rather than us wax lyrical about the news, here's the full press release:
As if that wasn't enough to keep us happy it's the fact that the band are going to rock it out with guitars to the max.
Rather than us wax lyrical about the news, here's the full press release:
The Quireboys announce new album ‘Twisted Love on 2nd
September
Four track EP ‘Twisted Love’ out on 19th August
The summer of 2016 is the time to fall in love all over
again as The Quireboys rediscover their passion for quintessential
British rock and roll.
Produced by The Quireboys and Martin Ekelund, the new full length “Twisted Love” lays bare a collective desire to win the hearts and minds of long-time fans and secret admirers alike. It’s the sound of six musicians bound by the past and excited by the future. Unashamedly loud and justifiably proud, “Twisted Love” celebrates a legacy and adds to a legend.
The band’s 10th studio album marks a welcome return to a time when the Quireboys rocked – and rocked hard. “There are no ballads this time”, confesses front-man Spike, “I approached the songwriting from a different angle and it felt good. There’s a lot of passion there.” A bullish reworking of crowd favourites “Gracie B” reinforces the point. More akin
to the thumping live version beloved of
fans far and wide, it’s dominated by the driving guitars
of Paul Guerin and fellow six-stringer Guy Griffin.
Title track “Twisted Love” – released as the lead single – sees Griffin, Guerin and front-man Spike join forces to deliver one of the darkest Quireboys anthems to date. Featuring the sultry backing vocals of blues-rock chanteuse Lynne Jackamann, it’s a song that shimmers from start to finish. But highlights are everywhere on this bold record: “Ghost Train” takes the listener on a bluesy, Hammond-sound-tracked journey to the band’s classic era, while the rock and soul of slow-brooding set closer “Midnight Collective” is simply sublime.
Once again the stark Swedish town of Klippan provided the perfect bolt hole for a band focused on following up 2015’s critically acclaimed St Cecilia And The Gypsy Soul with an equally compelling – yet creatively distinct – Quireboys record. “We locked ourselves away again and worked our arses off,” said Guerin. “We perform well under pressure. And I have to give immense credit to Spike – the lyrics on “Twisted Love” are some of his best ever.”
Enjoying a richly deserved renaissance, The Quireboys continue to tour extensively and write records that will stand the test of time. With a line-up that’s built to last – Keith Weir (keyboards), Nick Mailing (bass) and Dave McCluskey (drums) complementing Spike, Griffin and Guerin – the days of proving their critics wrong are long gone. “We used to worry about what everyone else used to say,” said Griffin. “Now we don’t waste time on those people who still don’t get what we’re all about. Our time is too precious and its time to be positive.”
Twisted Love is released via Off Yer Rocka Recordings on 2nd September 2016.
Produced by The Quireboys and Martin Ekelund, the new full length “Twisted Love” lays bare a collective desire to win the hearts and minds of long-time fans and secret admirers alike. It’s the sound of six musicians bound by the past and excited by the future. Unashamedly loud and justifiably proud, “Twisted Love” celebrates a legacy and adds to a legend.
The band’s 10th studio album marks a welcome return to a time when the Quireboys rocked – and rocked hard. “There are no ballads this time”, confesses front-man Spike, “I approached the songwriting from a different angle and it felt good. There’s a lot of passion there.” A bullish reworking of crowd favourites “Gracie B” reinforces the point. More akin
to the thumping live version beloved of
fans far and wide, it’s dominated by the driving guitars
of Paul Guerin and fellow six-stringer Guy Griffin.Title track “Twisted Love” – released as the lead single – sees Griffin, Guerin and front-man Spike join forces to deliver one of the darkest Quireboys anthems to date. Featuring the sultry backing vocals of blues-rock chanteuse Lynne Jackamann, it’s a song that shimmers from start to finish. But highlights are everywhere on this bold record: “Ghost Train” takes the listener on a bluesy, Hammond-sound-tracked journey to the band’s classic era, while the rock and soul of slow-brooding set closer “Midnight Collective” is simply sublime.
Once again the stark Swedish town of Klippan provided the perfect bolt hole for a band focused on following up 2015’s critically acclaimed St Cecilia And The Gypsy Soul with an equally compelling – yet creatively distinct – Quireboys record. “We locked ourselves away again and worked our arses off,” said Guerin. “We perform well under pressure. And I have to give immense credit to Spike – the lyrics on “Twisted Love” are some of his best ever.”
Enjoying a richly deserved renaissance, The Quireboys continue to tour extensively and write records that will stand the test of time. With a line-up that’s built to last – Keith Weir (keyboards), Nick Mailing (bass) and Dave McCluskey (drums) complementing Spike, Griffin and Guerin – the days of proving their critics wrong are long gone. “We used to worry about what everyone else used to say,” said Griffin. “Now we don’t waste time on those people who still don’t get what we’re all about. Our time is too precious and its time to be positive.”
Twisted Love is released via Off Yer Rocka Recordings on 2nd September 2016.
Wednesday, July 29, 2015
LIVE REVIEW: Ramblin' Man Fair - Day 2 - damp but not defeated
IF the first day of Ramblin' Man Fair concluded with a warm evening following a sun-soaked Mote Park then those ill-prepared awoke to find Kent under a blanket of cloud and rainfall ranging from drizzle to complete downpours.
But, undaunted the crowd gathered, the mud underfoot and the water falling from the sky failing to dampen the enthusiasm.
Opening a festival day under such conditions is no easy task, but when the name of the band is Blues Pills then it is a fair bet that grim faces quickly turned to smiles as punters shuffled, and in some cases ran to the front.
A cynical man may say that the red-blooded males were there to 'admire' Elin Larsson, but that would only be a small few amidst the majority captivated by the band's performance.
Dorrian Sorriaux's guitar work has a pure sense of feel for the era of music the band's sound harkens back to. By the time second song 'Ain't No Change' rolled across Mote Park Sorriaux and Larsson's musical partnership left many in awe; and by the time closer 'Black Smoke' came around most were in agreement that Blues Pills should have been higher up the bill.
Unknown to many Sólstafir were appearing in the UK for the first time, and the Icelandic band won new fans with their down-to-earth brand of atmospheric rock.
The set was all-to-brief in terms of songs played, but there was a sense of mischief from opener 'Dagmál' and the 2014 single 'Ótta' drew more people to the front.
With a banjo played for a while (and then breaking!) Sólstafir concluded with 'Goddess of the Ages' and even the rain seemed a little warmer.
Despite the weather the party really got going when The Quireboys brought their own unique brand of rock 'n' roll to the festival - and Spike knows how to throw a party. If you were to try and mould the perfect rock 'n' roll singer, who has swagger and style then you only need to think of Spike.
Backed by guitarists Guy and Paul the good times came song after song, as 'There She Goes Again' and 'This Is Rock 'n' Roll' kept the party vibe rolling along.
The closing trio of 'Hey You', Sweet Mary Ann' and '7 O'Clock' transformed the soggy Mote Park into everybody's favourite rock venue as Keith grinned from behind his keyboard as the ivories added the bar room boogie across Mote Park.
The Temperance Movement have been working hard to earn the plaudits for their straight forward no bullshit take on heavy rock, and more praise will be on its way if they keep up the standards they achieved at Ramblin' Man.
Glaswegian singer Phil Campbell's blues rock jester role in between songs was engaging and all of the band swung as guitarists Luke and Paul traded licks and smiles from opener '3 Bullets' through 'Smouldering' and 'Battle Lines' to set closer 'Take It Back'.
Former Jamiroquai bassist Nick Fyffe and drummer Damon Wilson gave each song a sense of groove to match the rock bite.
A succinct, smoothly delivered set of smouldering hard rock.
Many were wondering why comedian Vic Reeves had been wandering around the VIP area in the early afternoon, and it became clear when he appeared on stage to introduce Californian rockers Rival Sons. Reeves would have made the perfect MC for all the bands, but he gave only a few words for the Long Beach band.
The hype that has surrounded the band drew a significant crowd away from the shelter of the beer tents and by the time the second song, 'Electric Man' rolled across the rain drenched field that hype seemed justified as Jay Buchanan serenaded the soaked and Scott Holliday seared through his guitar work.
However, as the set wound on some of the arrangements seemed laboured in places; what works on an album could do with some trimming before airing at a festival. By the time 'Pressure and Time' came along the intensity of the support was waning a little.
It is a shame that some songs did feel overlong as Rival Sons have superb chops. Having said that the closer 'Open My Eyes' redeemed what could have felt a little too much complexity.
Exactly why Seasick Steve appears on so many rock stages with his downtrodden hobo blues is only apparent when you see the man lay it down with so much passion, a twinkle in his eye and some playing that could leave shredders weeping.
Humble, funny and smiling between songs Seasick Steve's opener 'Thunderbird' had pure passion in the guitar work. And yes throughout the set we saw him play 'The Three String Trance Wonder' and hubcap guitars - unique and beautiful.
Drummer Dan Magnusson exchanged so many grins it was infectious for all gathered. 'Walkin' Man' at Ramblin' Man - synchronicity embodied.
'Summertime Boy' 'Barracuda '68' and a mean sounding ode to life 'Keep on Keepin' On' had the Oakland, Ca. man drawing the crowd ever nearer into his life story. Concluding with 'Back in the Doghouse' Seasick Steve was the highlight of the day for many. And, it stopped raining just before Seasick Steve came on stage...
The same could not be said of Gregg Allman. Headliner status perhaps granted given his legendary work, but that felt so long ago, especially with reports of him being physically sick at previous shows.
A set that had covers of Blind Willie McTaggart, Muddy Waters and T-Bone songs kept the hardcore of Allman fans seemed happy, but from early on many were drifting away from the Classic Rock stage to the Prog and Blues stages via the beer tents.
It's not that Allman was not playing well - he was - it just seemed that the tunes adored by many from his own band and The Allman Brothers Band felt a little flat.
Surrounded by a fine set of musos 'Done Somebody Wrong' 'Soulshine', 'Melissa' and closer 'Whipping Post' were all delivered well but the magic dust was absent.
Not that bothered many that were gathered - whether sticking it out with Allman or revelling in the prog rock of Marillion it was a second great day for Ramblin' Man Fair.
Sion Roe's gallery
Darren McVeigh's gallery
But, undaunted the crowd gathered, the mud underfoot and the water falling from the sky failing to dampen the enthusiasm.
 |
| Getting the blues with Blues Pills |
A cynical man may say that the red-blooded males were there to 'admire' Elin Larsson, but that would only be a small few amidst the majority captivated by the band's performance.
Dorrian Sorriaux's guitar work has a pure sense of feel for the era of music the band's sound harkens back to. By the time second song 'Ain't No Change' rolled across Mote Park Sorriaux and Larsson's musical partnership left many in awe; and by the time closer 'Black Smoke' came around most were in agreement that Blues Pills should have been higher up the bill.
 |
| Have guitar will play |
The set was all-to-brief in terms of songs played, but there was a sense of mischief from opener 'Dagmál' and the 2014 single 'Ótta' drew more people to the front.
With a banjo played for a while (and then breaking!) Sólstafir concluded with 'Goddess of the Ages' and even the rain seemed a little warmer.
 |
| Spike soaks up the adulation |
Backed by guitarists Guy and Paul the good times came song after song, as 'There She Goes Again' and 'This Is Rock 'n' Roll' kept the party vibe rolling along.
The closing trio of 'Hey You', Sweet Mary Ann' and '7 O'Clock' transformed the soggy Mote Park into everybody's favourite rock venue as Keith grinned from behind his keyboard as the ivories added the bar room boogie across Mote Park.
 |
| It's raining and who cares! |
Glaswegian singer Phil Campbell's blues rock jester role in between songs was engaging and all of the band swung as guitarists Luke and Paul traded licks and smiles from opener '3 Bullets' through 'Smouldering' and 'Battle Lines' to set closer 'Take It Back'.
Former Jamiroquai bassist Nick Fyffe and drummer Damon Wilson gave each song a sense of groove to match the rock bite.
A succinct, smoothly delivered set of smouldering hard rock.
Many were wondering why comedian Vic Reeves had been wandering around the VIP area in the early afternoon, and it became clear when he appeared on stage to introduce Californian rockers Rival Sons. Reeves would have made the perfect MC for all the bands, but he gave only a few words for the Long Beach band.
 |
| Facial hair - Rival Sons |
The hype that has surrounded the band drew a significant crowd away from the shelter of the beer tents and by the time the second song, 'Electric Man' rolled across the rain drenched field that hype seemed justified as Jay Buchanan serenaded the soaked and Scott Holliday seared through his guitar work.
However, as the set wound on some of the arrangements seemed laboured in places; what works on an album could do with some trimming before airing at a festival. By the time 'Pressure and Time' came along the intensity of the support was waning a little.
It is a shame that some songs did feel overlong as Rival Sons have superb chops. Having said that the closer 'Open My Eyes' redeemed what could have felt a little too much complexity.
 |
| The man! |
Exactly why Seasick Steve appears on so many rock stages with his downtrodden hobo blues is only apparent when you see the man lay it down with so much passion, a twinkle in his eye and some playing that could leave shredders weeping.
Humble, funny and smiling between songs Seasick Steve's opener 'Thunderbird' had pure passion in the guitar work. And yes throughout the set we saw him play 'The Three String Trance Wonder' and hubcap guitars - unique and beautiful.
Drummer Dan Magnusson exchanged so many grins it was infectious for all gathered. 'Walkin' Man' at Ramblin' Man - synchronicity embodied.
 |
| Hobo rockin' |
'Summertime Boy' 'Barracuda '68' and a mean sounding ode to life 'Keep on Keepin' On' had the Oakland, Ca. man drawing the crowd ever nearer into his life story. Concluding with 'Back in the Doghouse' Seasick Steve was the highlight of the day for many. And, it stopped raining just before Seasick Steve came on stage...
The same could not be said of Gregg Allman. Headliner status perhaps granted given his legendary work, but that felt so long ago, especially with reports of him being physically sick at previous shows.
A set that had covers of Blind Willie McTaggart, Muddy Waters and T-Bone songs kept the hardcore of Allman fans seemed happy, but from early on many were drifting away from the Classic Rock stage to the Prog and Blues stages via the beer tents.
It's not that Allman was not playing well - he was - it just seemed that the tunes adored by many from his own band and The Allman Brothers Band felt a little flat.
Surrounded by a fine set of musos 'Done Somebody Wrong' 'Soulshine', 'Melissa' and closer 'Whipping Post' were all delivered well but the magic dust was absent.
Not that bothered many that were gathered - whether sticking it out with Allman or revelling in the prog rock of Marillion it was a second great day for Ramblin' Man Fair.
Review by Jonny
Main Article pix by Darren McVeigh of MetalplanetBelfast
All photos and text are copyright of those named - reproduction only by written permission
Sion Roe's gallery
Darren McVeigh's gallery
Saturday, March 28, 2015
ALBUM REVIEW: The Quireboys excel on St Cecilia and the Gypsy Soul
SPIKE and his merry band of troubadours churn out excellence so consistently that when they release a new album it seems a given that it will be another stellar platter. And, that's the case with the latest offering from The Quireboys 'St Cecilia and the Gypsy Soul'.
It would be possible to just leave it there - The Quireboys unleash a great album, full stop, end of review.
But, hell that would be a disservice to this lush offering of heartfelt odes to the human condition. Whatever was in the water in Swedish town Klippan when the band got down to recording it should be distilled and shared globally.
Just listen to the yearning, the heartache and broken words of 'The Promise' strings, acoustic solo runs and a nagging repetitive riff that tugs and tears at the soul.
And, in contrast the title track, 'St Cecilia' has that wild air of people living on the edges of society, where it is dangerous to be, but safer than the world where suits and billionaire banker bask in their ill-gotten gains.
'Can't Hide It Anymore' is the song that will have every American middle-of-the-road rocker gets down on their knees, knowing they'll never be able to match in terms of balance and perfection. Spike even gives a slight twang of mid-Atlantic accent at times to add to the atmosphere.
However, that wasn't the plan when Spike, Paul, Guy and Keith headed to Scandanavia...
“The plan was always to record some new acoustic songs and rework some originals,” said Spike. “But the plan changed. There was something about that place – the vibe got better and better and we just went with the flow.”
Aptly there is a track on the album called 'The Best Are Not Forgotten' because this release comes as a four-CD package, including 'Halfpenny Dancer' – finally available again – and two discs covering the previously unreleased 2010 Halfpenny Dancer live show featuring fiddles, pedal steel, mandolin, banjo and more.
“This side of the band needs to heard,” said Spike. “And we’ll be taking the new music out on the road with our most intimate tour yet.”
That road trip concludes in The Diamond Rock Club (tonight, 28th March) and if you missed out on the show then make sure to grab this album.
Back to where we started - The Quireboys, steeped in excellence, releasing excellence.
It would be possible to just leave it there - The Quireboys unleash a great album, full stop, end of review.
But, hell that would be a disservice to this lush offering of heartfelt odes to the human condition. Whatever was in the water in Swedish town Klippan when the band got down to recording it should be distilled and shared globally.
Just listen to the yearning, the heartache and broken words of 'The Promise' strings, acoustic solo runs and a nagging repetitive riff that tugs and tears at the soul.
And, in contrast the title track, 'St Cecilia' has that wild air of people living on the edges of society, where it is dangerous to be, but safer than the world where suits and billionaire banker bask in their ill-gotten gains.
'Can't Hide It Anymore' is the song that will have every American middle-of-the-road rocker gets down on their knees, knowing they'll never be able to match in terms of balance and perfection. Spike even gives a slight twang of mid-Atlantic accent at times to add to the atmosphere.
However, that wasn't the plan when Spike, Paul, Guy and Keith headed to Scandanavia...
“The plan was always to record some new acoustic songs and rework some originals,” said Spike. “But the plan changed. There was something about that place – the vibe got better and better and we just went with the flow.”
Aptly there is a track on the album called 'The Best Are Not Forgotten' because this release comes as a four-CD package, including 'Halfpenny Dancer' – finally available again – and two discs covering the previously unreleased 2010 Halfpenny Dancer live show featuring fiddles, pedal steel, mandolin, banjo and more.
“This side of the band needs to heard,” said Spike. “And we’ll be taking the new music out on the road with our most intimate tour yet.”
That road trip concludes in The Diamond Rock Club (tonight, 28th March) and if you missed out on the show then make sure to grab this album.
Back to where we started - The Quireboys, steeped in excellence, releasing excellence.
St Cecilia and the Gypsy Soul is released on March 30th on Off Yer Rocka
Review by Jonny
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