Collectively causing organised havoc this band of many roots came together to create an acoustic spectacle at the Brighton Dome.
The venue was enveloped with an infectious energy from Jon Boden, lead singer of Bellowhead, as his eccentric pink blazer-tie-combo and theatrical voice entertained the crowd on Tuesday.
As an 11-piece folk ensemble they would be hard-pushed not to make a big sound that whips you into a lively jig. Of course, it’s not only the volume. It’s the expertly crafted instrumental solos and clever twists on traditional tunes that have given this talented band such recognition in the folk sphere.
Entitled Revival the tour was a celebration of their 10th anniversary as a band and the vibrant collective awakens people young and old to the craft of learning music. From string quartets, classical oboes and growling brass to jazzy saxophone, electric guitar and percussion; this folk fusion somehow just…works.
Bearded neighbours and dad t-shirts that read ‘old guys rule’ summed up the average age of the crowd. “It’s time for a quiz”, boomed Boden, perfectly encapsulating the home of their musical genre – the English pub. Unperturbed audience members shouted out “mushrooms” and the winner claimed a pint of the band’s trademarked Harvey’s brewed ale pulled live on stage. Bizarre to some, but this is a band that knows their audience!
Soprano saxophone solos musically and visually weaved in and out of the medieval oboe, whilst in true folk style each track had a tale behind it; often a very morbid one. A favourite backstory of the night was a GP proposing to his lover and she declined. She later regretted her decision as she meets him again in later life, this time on her deathbed. Still bitter from his rejection the GP refused to use his medical abilities to save her. Of course, the song transforms a sorry tale into a contrastingly lively affair but remember, never annoy your doctor!
Bellowhead are not just your average folk band but an explosion of rock, jazz, funk and theatre and a must-see live on stage.
