Reviews
Artists: Poppy's Parade
Venue: MelloMello
Town: Liverpool
Website:
www.myspace.com/poppysparade
I must admit, I do like the look of a pre band stage; a few guitars, percussion instruments, a chair or two and in Poppy's Parade's case - a bass drum by the mic stand.
That, coupled with the anticipation of what will be, makes the decision not to drink alcohol in a place which sells it a bearable one.
The venue I was sat at not drinking alcohol was MelloMello - a quirky jazz café bar complete with un-matching chairs and tables, and full of old time memorabilia with a touch of something beatnik. Located in the cool spot of Liverpool, here you can not count to ten without seeing someone walk by with a guitar. It is the perfect musician hang out, even if you don't play an instrument. And on this particular afternoon gig, in Northern England's Liverpool on a dreary dull Summer day I couldn't think of a nicer funkier way to brighten the weather up than to be blessed with the magic of Poppy's Parade. Just seeing the gang of five walk onto the stage seemed to bring out the sunny side of life. They are a colourful bunch and their opening track had the audience and myself hooked instantly. With violin, trumpet, bass, temple blocks and the girl I presume to be Poppy on guitar and bass drum they are a truly entertaining outfit. Poppy's voice is an unusual and husky powerful force (Janis Joplin, Bonnie Tyler) in front of a lively and competent band, and to see her happily stomping away on her bass drum while singing her heart out was quite a sight.
Poppy's Parade brought on that lifeless stage with them a type of optimism that was seen in the nineteen-sixties (think Melanie Safka - Look what they done to my song). Pretty music with tough boots on and oomph, rhythm and charm. Their style almost gospel and soul but predominately folk pop. There were some lovely changes in the tunes, with melodies and lyrical hooks that one could not ignore. Ideal festival music, with all the colours and madness that Summer festivals should bring. What more can I say - a fine band indeed!
Miss James