As the band kicked off with The Kaisers Chiefs' "Everything is Average Nowadays", it was clear that the acoustics weren't going to be causing any problems. We'd picked ourselves a spot about halfway back, a little right of centre and from there the PA was nicely balanced with Dave's snare sounding bright and crisp combining wonderfully with the thumpingly deep, well rounded tones of Don's Status bass going through a Trace Elliott. Frontman Huwie didn't waste time between song conversation early on and The Buzzcocks "Ever Fallen In Love With Someone" was swiftly followed by the excellent Department S classic "Is Vic There?" Barfly score particularly well, I think, with their choice of material which, in the main, steers clear of the so-called standards and is a subtle mix of 80's new wave, alternative and indie with a few curent guitar driven titles sprinkled  in for good measure. Huwie Davies has a great stage presence about him these days and he made full use of the space afforded to him.

The Zutons' version of "Valerie" suited his voice well but he saved his best performance for The Scissor Sisters' "Take Your Momma" in which his falsetto vocals were top drawer.

 

 

The Stone Roses' "She Bangs The Drums" was a good second set opener featuring some nice jangly guitar work from Roly Rands. The fullness of the band's overall sound is great testament to his playing and whilst he is always accurate to the original he somehow manages to retain his own style and sound which only adds to the band's performance. A clutch of Killers tracks -  "Read My Mind",  "Somebody Told Me" and "When You Were Young" saw the band settling into their stride as the crowd grew, and by this time there were even a few dancing at the front. Simple Minds "Don't You Forget About Me" and Billy Idol's "Rebel Yell" brought the set to an end but Barfly weren't going to get away that easily and after a brief pause they played out a 3-song encore culminating in the Joey Ramone version of "Wonderful World" to a cheering crowd.

 

It was good to catch up with Barfly again on their (and our) first visit to Warren Lodge and our misgivings about the venue were unfounded. Nice also to bump into Barfly's (currently on sabbatical) drummer, Phil, in the audience, who I incorrectly identified  (apologies Phil - finger on the pulse eh?) and Bootleg's bass player Bruce Watts with wife Tina. 

 

 

Barfly are certainly a band well worth going to see so make a note in your diary for 3rd May at The Black Beauty or catch them at The Dolphin (fire damage permitting) on 14th June. A good night was had by all with plenty of good music and a great atmosphere - What more could you ask for?

 

If you want to know more about the band, vist their website at www.barfly.biz