So it’s the last gig of the year. 2022 has felt as close to a normal year as could be hoped. Breaking the 50 gig barrier this year after the obvious dips in the last two years has reignited my love of live music. I think that this has also been reflected in many of the performances with most of the acts touring for the first time in 2/3 years and clearly enjoying the buzz again after the enforced layoffs.
It’s an impromptu Christmas party for me and many of my gig going family agreeing to come to see The Hanging Stars for some cosmic groovy Americana to round off the year. And cosmic groovy Americana is exactly what we got although there is a hint of early Charlatans, LA’s, and Sea Horses to it too.
Touring in support of their fine album ‘Hollow Heart’ we are treated to most of it along with some oldies including their first single and also a brand new track which really sounded like A.M. era Wilco to me.
Musically the band were tight with props to Patrick Ralla on guitar and keys for driving the songs along and Joe Harvey Whyte on pedal steel to really round out the sound. Who doesn’t love a pedal steel. This is not to forget the excellent rhythm section who provide the foundation for the others to build on. A word for singer Richard Olson who was definitely on it tonight I’m just not sure what it was. He was certainly full of the christmas spirit. But hey I like edgy front men, it keeps both us the audience and the band on their toes.
There are hints of Rose City Band in some of their music and as one of our party mentioned it would be good if they let their own groove continue for six or seven minutes occasionally. It’s a minor quibble on a night of fine songs and music.
Highlight for me is my favourite track from new album ‘Hollow Eyes, Hollow Heart’ and this show was a perfect way to end a fine year of live music
Keep on cosmic, groovy, Americana rockin’ y’all