The Brudenell Social Club in the
heart of Headingley is gradually filling with a variety of customers of varying
age groups. The merchandise stall is causing interest due to an array of rustic
looking tour t-shirts, as is the bar, with drink prices far and away reduced from
city centre prices. Pugwash released their debut album “Almond Tea” in 1999 and
since then have been releasing cleverly crafted pop tunes with a twist, but not
an unpleasant twist. There were obviously members of the audience this evening who
were familiar with their work and who were able to give impetus for those of us
who were new to the band. Displaying a fine array of Rickenbacker guitars, the
tunes were coming thick and fast and the momentum was maintained through a
tightly performed set. Song titles such as “It’s Nice to Be Nice” and “Be My
Friend Awhile” give the listener some idea how uplifting these tunes could be, and
indeed they were, but not to the extent that they were saccharine sweet. Think Electric
Light Orchestra meet the High Llamas. There was a palpable air that the musicians on stage were having a magnificent time playing these songs, and the
between song banter belied characters that were familiar with stage work and
knew how to engage with their audience. Apparently Brian Wilson of the Beach
Boys showed a fleeting interest in their material, and it is not hard to
understand why.
Three members of Pugwash feature on
the new release by Matt Berry, “Kill the Wolf”. Matt Berry the comedy
writer/actor and Matt Berry the singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist are two
diverse characters with a personality that spans the two. Comparisons between
his two persona are inevitably to be made and, it could be argued, one informs
the other. Renowned for his
contributions to such cult television series as “The IT Crowd”, “The Mighty
Boosh”, “Snuffbox” and “Garth Marenghi’s Dark Place” as well as composing music
for “Saxondale”, Matt Berry has obviously gained the respect and affection of
the audience tonight, as the club was full, and busy with anticipation. Opening with “Medicine” tracks from his new
release were showcased as well as precious moments from his back catalogue, including "A Song for Rosie" from his last album "Witchazel" .
Possibly one of his most well known pieces "Theme from Snuff Box”, which curiously appears in
the film “Dredd”, was given a slightly more relaxed rendition in stark contrast
to the material from the new album. These latest arrangements have an edge
which appears to give them more credibility in the psychedelic folk and
progressive rock arena. There is still a soulful funky framework to these
tunes, but the edges have been roughened, and the chord progressions perverted.
Some of the lengthier workouts, such as the nine minute “Solstice”, displayed muscle
and bite, whilst some of the more delicate tunes show what a gifted and talented
multi-instrumentalist he is. Berry himself describes the new album as, “another
pastoral folk journey, but this time with a slightly more sinister edge”, a
description which suitably evokes their character.
For audience members of a certain age, and
proclivity, the highlight of the evening must have been the bands rendition of
the theme tunes to the television series “Are You Being Served?” and “Sorry”. Whilst
just as the smiles of recognition were drifting from the faces of the audience,
the encore featured members of Pugwash joining the band for a heart warming and
joyous version of Wings Bond theme “Live and Let Die”. Berry appeared
comfortable on stage and directed the bad with a professional confidence that
makes the audience feel at ease. Half way through the set one audience member
shouted “Faaaaaaatheeeeeeer”, a quote from a classic “IT Crowd” scene featuring
Berry, which, although doubtless shouted at concerts on numerous occasions, reinforced the reverential position he
occupies amongst his admirers.
