It’s amazing what a bit of praise from Noel Gallagher can do; tonight was sold out in no time at all and from a glance around Tut’s tonight it’s because so many are loyal to their hero’s every word.
Here at Rave Child we’re a touch away from what Noel may or may not be saying, but while Jagwar Ma’s debut album, Howlin’, clearly takes queues the Gallagher’s hometown’s past they’re also clearly a band that are creating unabashed fun.
Before them are hotly tipped South African’s John Wizards whose hyperactive arpeggios, bleeping keys and surprisingly melancholic vocals pop on throughout to provide an intrigue to the hoards who have packed Tut’s to see their new favourite band.
There’s clearly so much going on with band mastermind John Withers as each track sprouts a different vibe while constantly maintaining an almost tropical feel on a rain soaked Thursday night.
The band appear full of confidence, switching instruments as Withers stands front centre in a some what gangly manner leading the display, they’re one of those bands that you might drift away from for a second and then they catch your attention with something different and you’re into it again.
This genre hopping musician tonight delivers a fun set, full of warm sunny vibes to a crowd that are up for having a big night, whether many of those in attendance will remember them in the morning is anyone’s guess but they certainly will garner their own following in time; every hipster needs a favourite tropical electro, reggae pop, slow-jam R&B artist from Cape Town right? Maybe not, but I’m sure they’d like one.
By the time Jagwar Ma take the stage Tut’s is filled to bursting and everywhere you look there’s that haircut made popular by Paul Weller, but regardless of how they earned their popularity Australia’s latest musical export are set out to prove they’re worthy of it.
As opener, the beat driven ‘What Love’ kicks in the audience is still warming up, or more likely struggling to move, but as the show progresses people begin to get into their groove as they roll into tracks from their Madchester channelling debut blasting the audience with Stone Roses-esque basslines courtesy of the energetic Jack Freeman.
The singles provide the backbone of the set, elevating the high octane, messy joy and sending elation through an enthusiastic crowd who lap up every moment, you half expect that horrific Glasgow chant to start, it doesn’t thankfully – another point to these Aussies.
These guys may not be 24 Hour Party People, the grooves and hooks here are more about getting the girl than getting off your tits but it lacks caution and is undeniably fun and infectious.
For those here tonight this one might go down in folklore, get them added to the steps Tut’s; lads meet your new favourite band.
Words: Iain Dawson
