By David O’Neill
The Sheepdogs recently brought their signature brand of vintage-tinged, feel-good rock to The Globe in Cardiff, a small venue (and one regularly as one of our ‘Small Stages Big Sounds‘ podcast series) with a capacity of around 350, but surprisingly boasts a large stage, ideally suited for the southern rock-influenced shenanigans that were to take place on it this evening…
Creeping Jean’s opening set was an electrifying showcase of vintage ’60s and ’70s rock with a modern indie twist. From the start, the band delivered a tight set full of jagged riffs and squalling solos, reminiscent of classic rock but with a fresh seaside vibe.
Frontman Olly Tooze, who also runs a vintage clothing shop in Brighton, brought a charismatic presence, blending musical performance with engaging chat that added a personal touch to the evening. His stories about balancing life as a musician and shop owner gave the gig a warm, intimate atmosphere.
The sound was impressively full and punchy for such a small venue, with the band’s keys and guitars filling the room and creating a rich, layered experience. Tracks from their acclaimed album ‘Business Is Dead’ stood out, showcasing their knack for blending muscular rock with catchy melodies. Despite the compact stage, Creeping Jean’s performance felt expansive and immersive, proving that small stages can indeed produce big sounds.
Overall, this support slot was a brilliant mix of vintage charm and contemporary indie rock energy, enhanced by Olly Tooze’s friendly interaction with the crowd, making it a memorable night with many of the audience loving the set.
Next up were The Sheepdogs (I appear to be getting all Canadian bands lately… next thing you know I’ll be ordering Molson on draught!), who brought their signature brand of vintage-tinged, feel-good rock, delivering a set that was both a celebration of classic influences and a showcase of their own formidable musicianship.
The intimate venue, known for its excellent acoustics and up-close atmosphere, was the perfect setting for a night that felt both communal and electric. Unfortunately, the only downside was the stage lighting, with bassist Ryan Gullen literally being left in the dark!
Drawing from their recent ÜK and European tour setlists, the band opened with ‘I’ve Got a Hole Where My Heart Should Be’, followed by ‘Who’ll Find the Truth,’ immediately setting the tone with thick, harmony-laden guitars and soulful vocals.
The crowd was quickly swept up as the band launched into ‘Downtown’ and ‘Let Me In,’ both tracks showcasing The Sheepdogs’ knack for writing infectious hooks and irresistible grooves. ‘Bad Lieutenant’ and ‘Southern Dreaming’ followed, the former with its bluesy swagger and the latter a laid-back, sun-drenched number that could have easily been lifted from a 1970s Allman Brothers record.
Throughout the night, frontman Ewan Currie’s vocals were a standout—warm, powerful, and effortlessly channelling the spirit of classic rock icons while retaining a distinct character all his own. The interplay between Currie and guitarist Jimmy Bowskill was a constant source of excitement, with duelling solos and tight harmonies weaving through the set. Shamus Currie’s keyboards added a soulful undercurrent, especially on tracks like ‘Cool Down,’ where the band’s multi-instrumental talents were on full display.
Mid-set, the tempo shifted with ‘How Late, How Long’ and ‘Now or Never,’ both crowd favourites that had the audience singing along.
The Sheepdogs’ rapport with the Cardiff crowd was palpable. There was plenty of good-natured banter between songs, and the band’s genuine enthusiasm was matched by the audience’s energy.
The band’s ability to blend genres—southern rock, country, boogie, and straight-ahead rock and roll—was on full display, but never felt derivative. Instead, The Sheepdogs have a knack for distilling their influences into something that feels both timeless and fresh.
Anyone with a good ear and broad musical knowledge would have recognized the signature Dicky Betts/Duane Allman guitar tones throughout. However, there were other influences on show too, from Jimmy Buffet’s ‘Margaritaville’ to many of the Eagles tracks. This was not an issue though as the capacity crowd loved every minute.
As the main set drew to a close with the rollicking ‘I Don’t Know,’ and ‘Nobody’ it was clear the crowd wasn’t ready to let go. The encore began with ‘Feeling good’, from their 2012 album, before closing with a rousing cover of ‘Whipping Post’ the Allman Brothers’ classic, paying homage to their southern rock heroes and sending the audience home on a high note.
The Sheepdogs’ Cardiff show was a masterclass in classic rock revivalism, delivered with authenticity, skill, and infectious joy. Their setlist, drawn from both recent albums and fan favourites, kept the energy high and the audience engaged throughout. For fans of soulful, guitar-driven rock and roll, The Globe was absolutely the place to be, and both bands delivered!
- All photos © Bandtogs/Über Rock.