Vintage Trouble – 21st November 2011
Review: Ros Madigan
Vintage Trouble are a band that first came to my attention last year on Jools Holland. Like so many other enthusiastic music lovers out there, ‘Later’ with Jools Holland remains a brilliant place to enjoy some top quality new music. Usually the new music on show can come in many forms, from cool “hair straightened” scenester music to peculiar jungle sounding material. Once in a while however, some bands stand up and really make an impression on me. Some of the artists that had me wanting more range from KT Tunstall, James Morrsion, Seasick Steve and Laura Marling. Vintage Trouble did the same for me and ever since I have been hooked unnaturally to this Californian Soul-Rock band.
It was to my delight, after having missed them during the summer, that they would return to these pleasant and humble shores. Unfortunately it was to come as a shock that the venue would be The Academy 2. I have long since bemoaned this venue as possibly the worst in Dublin. This shock was also to spread to Richard Danielson, the bands drummer, as I heard him tell a photographer before the gig that he hadn’t expected the venue to have such poor visibility.
Nevertheless, the band took to the stage to a more than enthusiastic crowd. Vintage Trouble waste no time and blast into a musical onslaught, that to be honest, has me in awe of Ty(Lead Singer). It’s not long before he urges the Dublin crowd, “I know you can move your ass Dublin, now move”. ‘You Better Believe It’ is the first track to stand out as Ty leads the crowd in one of many sing alongs and chanting that would happen on the night. He explains that this song is about “Getting the hell out of there” when stuck in a bad relationship. The crowd goes wild as ‘Total Strangers’ is played.
‘Nancy Lee’ is next up on the bill with Ty showcasing his silky smooth soul voice. I do not say this lightly but Ty Taylor is the best front man I have ever seen live, hands down. He exudes passion, enthusiasm and rock and roll. Not only is his on stage presence, which is truly stunning, but also his stunning voice. It reminds me of so many classic soulful voices from yesteryear. I actually find myself lucky to have witnessed him up close.
‘Jezzabella’ was next, before a beautiful song in the form of ‘Not Alright By Me’. A classically heart warming song about the not so good in the world. It’s well worth checking out online if you fancy a good old-fashioned whimper. ‘Pelvis Pusher’ stood out as a no nonsense pelvis pusher, if you don’t mind the journalistic laziness. ‘Hand Me Down Blues’ was the song I had been waiting for all night and for months previously, as this was the song that launched Vintage Trouble into my life on Jools all that time ago. They did not disappoint as Ty and the band marauded through this soul-rock number.
‘Run Outta You’ was to finish an excellent night of soul and showmanship. The song began with a massive lead in, with an even longer outro with the band showcasing their musical prowess to the maximum. This band have quickly become one of my favourite bands in recent memory. Add in their humble and friendly nature as they took a long time after the show to drink and talk to fans with one member asking “Where is the latest bar in Dublin? We’re going there!”. I think they can sign me up as a lifelong fan.