By Jim Rowland
Having just released their fab latest album ‘The Soul Of…’, ultra-cool Danish-Brazilian rock ’n’ roll sensations The Courettes hit Portsmouth for the final date of their ÜK tour, ably supported by local riotous rockabilly rebels The Caezars, all at a slightly odd time of day…
With doors opening at 4.00 and a curfew of 8.00, this afternoon/early evening gig is indeed a bit of an odd timing at Portsmouth’s rather fine Wedgewood Rooms venue, but it’s a lot more exciting than snoozing in front of an old film on TV on a Sunday afternoon – or watching the Premier League for that matter!
Portsmouth’s very own punky rockabilly sensations The Caezars have reformed this year after an eight year hiatus, and have a new self-titled album, the band’s third overall, under their belts. Whilst displaying many traditional rockabilly traits, there’s a punky fire in their bellies, due in no small part to the incendiary guitar work of Danny O. The likes of The Cramps and The Meteors spring to mind during their thumping set, and singer AJ can really let go at the right times. With the local connection, their explosive and highly enjoyable set goes down a storm here.
The Courettes are no strangers to the road, and have a fearsome live reputation, with this gig being the twelfth and final ÜK date of their current extensive European tour which will go on well into November. I’ve covered the Courettes’ last two albums for Über Rock, but today is the first time I’ve seen it all come to life in a live setting. And come to life it certainly does, due in no small part to Flavia Couri’s exuberant stage presence.
Live, the sound of The Courettes is a bit more gritty and raw compared to the authentically produced albums mixing garage rock, ’60s girl groups, Motown and a Phil Spector ‘Wall of Sound’ vibe, but still instantly recognizable.
The live drums, guitar and vocals of Mr & Mrs Couri are bolstered by a clever combination of pedals and triggers to add the extra dimension as they blitz through a set of album tracks, leaning more on material from the last two albums, and numerous single tracks. Songs like ‘Boom Boom Boom’, ‘California’, ‘Hop The Twig’ and ‘Shake’ ooze power, panache, style and energy in equal measure.
This is bright, colourful, a whole lot of fun fun fun, and more than enough to brighten up a dreary Sunday afternoon on the south coast.
- PHOTO CREDIT: Photos courtesy of Rob Collier.
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