Big of voice and loud of guitar, the larger than life Big Boy Bloater got the joint rockin’ from the start as he and The Limits played an explosive set of blistering Rhythm and Blues.
Bouncing onto this legendary stage to play a mean opener of “Devils Not Angels” got the place rocking from the get-go. There is a palpable sense of fun running through most of the band’s songs and second number “I Love You (But I Can’t Stand Your Friends)” brought hearty smiles from fans and the players alike. Indeed, when dedicating “I Got The Feeling Someone Is Watching Me” to all the paranoiacs in the club, the laughter and cheering on this fan favourite was superceded by the infectious dancing by the punters down the front.
The similarities to bands such as Dr. Feelgood and Nine Below Zero are apparent in the delivery and rapport between the band and their fans. This was starkly true as the group showcased a middle set run of songs from a new, forthcoming album to be released in early summer. A tighter, focused feel to new songs “She Didn’t Even Buy A Ticket”, “Pills”, “Unnaturally Charming” and the fun-filled grotesquery of “Saturday Night Desperation Shuffle” went down very well with this decent sized Sunday night crowd who bopped and bounced with abandon.
However, a pleasing degree of precision playing on his Strat proved the BBB is no slouch as he pumped out his smart and catchy rhythms with nifty solos. A passionate homage to his hero Johnny ‘Guitar’ Watson showcased his own classy six-string abilities.
Right now Big Boy Bloater and The Limits are a big fish in a small but growing pool of crack circuit R ‘n’ B bands. But judging by the new songs aired tonight, they are ready to make the leap into a wider ocean of bigger possibilities.
Words: Paul Davies / Photo: © Adam Kennedy
Big Boy Bloater
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Event Date: 18-Feb-2018