It’s very much a best of show tonight with an almost equal number of tracks from every album showcased tonight. You know it’s going to be a good one when they start with ‘If I wanted someone’. Over the course of the six albums Dawes now have a solid ten or so absolute classic songs and the question is can they back these up with a strong second suite. I’m never going to be a fan of ‘Stories Dont end’ or the latest album ‘Passwords’ but I thought the version of ‘Crack the Case’ from the latter was superb tonight. This provided a subtle delicate departure from the rest of the set that was full of bombast, shredded guitar, crazy drum n bass and stirring organ.
First and foremost Dawes are an exceptional group of musicians. When you couple this with the intelligent lyrics, (Tequila aside), of Taylor Goldsmith then it’s the perfect recipe. There were some real rock out moment tonight’s and while I have always admired Taylor’s picking he didn’t waste any opportunities to launch into a blistering guitar solo. As always Griffin provides more than the beats but perfect complimentary harmonies with Wylie’s fingers continuously moving over his bass’ fret board. What stood out for me tonight, which I hadn’t appreciated as much, was Lee Pardini’s dextrous keyboard skills. Stunning.
As always in this great venue, the sound was spot on from the first note. Its only drawback, despite it being a cold night outside, was the sauna like temperatures inside.
The crowd were on fine from vocally on the night on the usual favourites but of course especially on ‘When my time Comes’ and set closer ‘All Your Favourite bands’. A special mention for ‘Somewhere along the way’ which is one of my favourite tracks of theirs performed impeccably tonight.
After six or seven shows now for me, Dawes never fail to raise the bar and maintain those standards. I defy anyone not to have a good time listening to this band and everyone here leaves with a broad satisfied smug grin on their faces. Good to see the merch stand busy after the gig to further support the lives of touring musicians.
Keep on rockin y’all
ps apologies for the appalling photos, forgot my camera and phone is rubbish in poor lighting
pps video not from London