Dr. Clyde, Dumbfoundus, The Future of Music – Musical Keys fundraiser at The Blueberry Music House, Norwich, 14 August 2014
Following on from the first hugely successful Musical Keys fundraiser at Jurnets Bar last month this second event at the excellent Blueberry also pulled in a sizeable crowd for this very good line up, two of whom I saw in fine form at Harlequin at the weekend.
Starting off proceedings were The Future of Music, who I’ve seen a couple of times before. This duo have some super harmonies, often raucously delivered with some excellent lyrics and topics. A great line in chip shop sauce sachet agendas too! There were many local references in the lyrics and banter as well. For just two people they could certainly make a noise and tested the in-house pa. Good fun.
The Future of Music
The ever uplifting and fun Dumbfoundus were next, Nathan, Noel (in Bill & Ted ‘Wild Stallyns’ cap) and Tom getting people singing along and dancing as always. Behind their fun side though there are three excellent musicians who are actually really tight, their songs sit well alongside songs by Eek a Mouse and Nirvana, and I wonder how many bands would segue the Jungle Book classic “I Wanna Be Like You” with Gnarl Barkley’s “Crazy” – that was a fantastic end to their set.
Dumbfoundus
Dumbfoundus
Dumbfoundus
Dumbfoundus
Dr Clyde closed the evening with a mesemerising, sometimes meandering and always captivating set. There’s a deceptive looseness to their sound but they’re actually really tight too and I love the dynamics at work in this trio. Playing excellent guitar, with a Joe Strummer sticker on it, Jasper’s playing and vocals are sometimes witty (PsycheDelia Smith!), sometimes obscure and always fascinating, he’s a fine front man. Whilst Joe’s deep (at times Simonon-like) bass is deep and grungy and Connor’s excellent drumming holding things together. I love this band, you never know quite what you will get from them which is part of the excitement. There are some super hooks, riffs, wails, lyrics and sometimes I detect bluesy moments and even some Saharan electric guitar and Arabic melodies, which isn’t the first time I’ve noticed North African influences in their sound. Another great gig from Dr Clyde, a good mixture of old and new songs played to perfection, and I think they loved playing too, and could have happily played for hours by the looks of it – always great to see a band enjoying themselves playing. I cannot wait for their forthcoming EP.
Dr Clyde
Dr Clyde
Dr Clyde
Dr Clyde
Dr Clyde
Well done to all for what I hope was another successful fundraiser, thanks to all the performers, Musical Keys, and Sarah at The Blueberry, a pub putting itself firmly on the Norwich venue map. A good size stage, lovely atmosphere and wonderful staff … not to mention some great ales too.
words and photos, richard shashamane 2014
@RShashamane
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Norwich: Music City, UK 
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