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The Moulettes

Venue: Bush Hall
Town: London
Date: 31st May
Website: http://www.moulettes.co.uk

7:30 doors was never going to happen for me and, assuming she would be on stage around eight; it was always going to be touch and go to see Liz Green as well. The strict no readmission policy of Bush Hall meant that I was left with the choice curing my hunger pangs with a falafel wrap from King Solomon's (the best I've had, anywhere) and seeing none of her set or seeing the last ten minutes and having a rumbly tummy for pushing three hours.

The second support act was Seasick Steve who delivered the most perfect four song twenty minute set that I have seen. Opening with 'Hobo Blues' and finishing with 'It's A Long Long Way' he had time to thank Joe Cushley (Moulettes manager) for 'discovering' him in Norway and getting him on Later …, was joined by Moulettes violinist Georgina Leach on 'Treasures' and berate those at the back who were more interested in talking than listening. Unfortunately there was more of this to come.

The Moulettes came on stage to a cacophony of cheers, whistles and applause. Yes they had some big name support (and would be joined on stage by arguably this biggest later) but this crowd were here for them.

As this was their album launch party, their set was a run through of 'The Bears Revenge'. As such, I would guess that this may the only time several of these tracks ever gets a live outing and I'm glad that the decision about which ones get dropped is not mine.

The current single 'Sing Unto Me' is one that is likely to become a permanent fixture as it captures the Moulettes 'sound'; multi part female harmonies from Hannah Miller, Ruth Skipper and Georgina Leach playing against the low notes from double bass, bass drums and bassoon. The jig 'Grumpelstiltskin', with guest appearance from flautist Ríoghnach Connolly, got the most enthusiast response with so many people dancing that I feared the speaker stack I was standing next to could come crashing down at an moment. The albums final track 'Blood and Thunder' is huge (even by Moulettes standards) and was the highlight of the evening. It moves into the world of fantasy, has a couple of readings by a velvet clad Arthur Brown and adds a kettle drum for added depth.

With performances like this it can only be a matter of time before they start picking up awards in the 'live act' type of category.

Words John 'The Jacket' Hawes
Pictures Neil King not taken at gig