There’s buzz of nervous anticipation in the packed confines of the Academy as Elvis’s ‘Heartbreak Hotel’ rings out and the crew run through final checks. An eruption of noise greets BP Fallon’s arrival on-stage to introduce Cavan’s gift to rock ‘n’ roll in his unique, poetic style.
The band’s appearance is met with nearhysterics, but they appear cool as an autumn breeze, especially singer Ross Farrelly, a doppelganger for Roger McGuinn in his pomp, suited and hidden behind shades and animpressive mop-top.
Opener ‘Mystery Man’ sets the tone with its blistering harmonica solo reminiscent of Dr. Feelgood’s Lee Brilleaux, running straight into the thumping beat of ‘She’s So Fine’. Guitarist Josh McClorey, sporting an impressive western bow-tie, takes over lead-vocal duties backed by a wall of blues-drenched rhythms and harmonica riffing. The mike-sharing, twin vocals of ‘I’m A Hog for You Baby’ brings to mind a certain Liverpudlian four-piece in their infancy. The band’s stage craft is excellent throughout. These guys are born performers, knowing when to really push the audience’s buttons.
Matters slow temporarily for ‘Angel Eyes’, its groove allowing the depth of Josh’s voice to shine through. Squint and you can imagine it’s The Yardbirds in their pomp.
An energy sapping rendition of current single ‘What a Shame’ is dedicated to support band The Raglans, with leather jacket wearing bassist Pete O’Hanlon to the fore, boogieing furiously a la Angus Young and Evan’s metronomic tempo propelling the band forward.
At this stage the boys have worked up a serious sweat with Josh remarking, “shit’s getting serious, the jackets are coming off!” A belting version of ‘Blue Collar Jane’ sends the crowd into hysterics. Who doesn’t love primal rock ‘n’ roll? Bo Diddley’s ‘You Can’t Judge a Book by the Cover' has the masses roaring along to the chorus; the band visibly upping the ante, trading blistering harmonica and guitar riffs and exuding a bad-ass swagger normally associated with more seasoned acts.
Pete takes over harmonica duties for a cover of the Canned Heat classic ‘Going Up the Country’, standing centre stage and delivering a spine-tingling solo that would have made the instrument’s original maestro, Little Walter, proud. Slim Harpo’s ‘Got Love If You Want It’ never sounded so vibrant, Ross temporarily on guitar duties, Josh on bass and Pete lost in the groove of his manic harmonica playing.
A momentary break allows Josh the opportunity to introduce the band to deafening cheers, Ross lifting his shades for a brief second to salute the crowd. Possessing the explosive energy of The Who and the raw blues sensibility of (them again) Dr. Feelgood, they sprint for the line with a superfast take on blues standard ‘Rollin’ and Tumblin’’ before departing to a chorus of whistles, roars, claps and the hum of feedback from the speaker stacks.
After a brief interlude they reappear for a double whammy of Chuck Berry’s ‘Little Queenie’ that kicks straight into ‘(Get Your Kicks on) Route 66’, finally departing to thunderous cheers. It’s only rock and roll and they certainly like it.....