Dead Like Harry

superbly crafted, professionally performed, full of life, and enjoyed by all

I always knew I was bound to enjoy this gig (I've been listening to DLH's Red Dress, and the new EP When We Were 17, non-stop since getting them a few days ago), so I asked Jim (my very own version of "Mr Grumpy") to come along - just so we could get a bit of balance... Jim's into strictly acoustic country (and the Beatles), so I was expecting something like his shouts of derision when Dylan first went electric. But no!!! Apart from the odd sardonic comment that "It's not like Tim O'Brien", he sat there quietly acknowledging that yes, he was indeed happy that he'd ventured to leave his usual exciting Saturday night routine (doing his weekly washing, no less) to come along and listen to DLH...

As for myself, I was delighted as ever, and even managed to get a few piccies for the collection (they're off for processing at the moment, but I'll upload them as soon as the eyes are a little less red). Hiding in my corner to the left of the stage, I was able to get a superb view of the crowd - and believe me, it was VERY crowded - all enjoying themselves, and having a thoroughly great evening. The band were scheduled to start around nine-ish, and we got a little taster then of the new EP's title track when they did their sound check, but the main performance started just after 10, and lasted around 45-50 minutes. To keep us enthused beforehand, a variety of DJs played a stream of superb selections, covering everything from glam rock through french ballads and Le Freak to early rave (sorry, Jim) - all in all a great evening out, a great place to spend a Saturday.

As Jim pointed out repeatedly, it was hard to make out many of the words, but that's inevitable in a live performance in a crowded venue, as the band was in competition with the shrieked conversations at the bar, and the treble got lost in the acoustics. But who cares?! It was great stuff, the music was superbly crafted, professionally performed, full of life, and enjoyed by all (even Jim, though he's loathe to admit it). What more could you ask?!

What about the music? The event included a number of firm favourites, together with tracks from the new EP (out on Monday, June 2nd). This is a collection of four tracks (I couldn't love you anymore; When we were 17; Streets; Tilt the moon) and shows the band continuing to produce solid, perfectly produced tracks. It's less noticeably folkie than the 2006 Red Dress album, but for those who've followed DLH the continuity is there to be heard. It'll be interesting to see what direction the band has taken on their next album, whether they've gone more mainstream, or retained the folk edge, and I'm waiting with baited breath. Hopefully the latter, as they have so much to offer the genre. Fingers crossed!