J. Roddy Walton and The Business - Broadcast, Glasgow, 23/2/2014
by Tony Gaughan
published: 23 / 2 / 2014
intro
Tony Gaughan watches Baltimore-based rock and roll outfit play an explosive, manificent show in their first ever European gig at Broadcast in Glasgow
I knew little or nothing of this U.S. quartet who apparently have been kicking up a fuss over their honest good old-fashioned attitude to kick ass rock and roll. I am so glad my Baltimore friend tipped me a wink on this as it was the best live show I've seen in over five years. Not only was this their first UK date, but it was their FIRST European show, an honour indeed as the crowd which witnessed it were treated to a full octane explosion of chaotic rock and roll played with pure gusto. They opened with a couple of songs from their self-titled debut album,’Full Growing Man’ and the ultra catchy ‘Don't Break the Needle,’ with front-man J. Roddy Walston bouncing around crazed on his electric piano backed with some wonderful riffs and the tightest of rhythm systems in the shape of Logan Davis (bass) and Steve Colmus (drums). It is also worth mentioning the outrageous guitar skills and backing vocals of Billy Gordon. They have a brand new record out next month and with the strength of tracks as strong as ‘Take It’ and the magnificent ‘Heavy Bells’ it really could not get any better, could it? It, however, did! A cover of the Little Richard classic ‘Lucille’ would not have been bettered by Little Richard at his best, and the crowd were now as animated as the frantic band. Plenty more madness followed with another few great tunes, ‘Used to Did‘ being a fine example of this. I doubt I will ever get the chance to see this band in this kind of small club environment ever again, but I'm so grateful that I was present to witness this. Check these guys out! They will be superstars very soon.
Picture Gallery:-
most viewed articles
current edition
In Dreams Begin Responsibilities - #15- On Being Dignified and Old aka Ten Tips From Jah Wobble On How To Be Happy.The Church - Interview with Steve Kilbey
Simon Heavisides - Destiny Stopped Screaming: The Life and Times of Adrian Borland
Secret Shine - Interview
Vetchinsky Settings - Interview
Repomen - Ten Songs That Made Me Love...
Flaming Stars - Interview
Jack Roscoe - Interview
Near Jazz Experience - Interview
Sami Sumner - Interview
previous editions
Heavenly - P.U.N.K. Girl EPPrisoners - Interview
Joy Division - The Image That Made Me Weep
Dwina Gibb - Interview
Allan Clarke - Interview
Jimmy Nail - Interview
Michael Lindsay Hogg - Interview
Joy Division - The Image That Made Me Weep
Sam Brown - Interview 2008
Bluebells - Interview with Ken McCluskey
most viewed reviews
current edition
Lewis 'Burner' Pugh - Bullets for BreadKula Shaker - Natural Magick
Ian Hunter - Defiance Part 2: Fiction
Inutili - A Love Supreme
Smalltown Tigers - Crush On You
Hillbilly Moon Explosion - Back in Time
My Life Story - Loving You is Killing Me
David Cross Band - Ice Blue Silver Sky
Beyonce - Cowboy Carter
Ty Segall - Three Bells
Pennyblackmusic Regular Contributors
Adrian Janes
Amanda J. Window
Andrew Twambley
Anthony Dhanendran
Benjamin Howarth
Cila Warncke
Daniel Cressey
Darren Aston
Dastardly
Dave Goodwin
Denzil Watson
Dominic B. Simpson
Eoghan Lyng
Fiona Hutchings
Harry Sherriff
Helen Tipping
Jamie Rowland
John Clarkson
Julie Cruickshank
Kimberly Bright
Lisa Torem
Maarten Schiethart