GIG REVIEW - YOUNGBLOOD BRASS BAND

(Barfly, Digbeth)

24-08-2006

What do you mean you missed it?

Kick yourself, because these brassbound boys from New York are the most remarkable live act I've seen in many a long day.

There are duelling trumpets, a feisty percussion trio and one bloke with what looks like a golden snake wrapped around his body - it's a sousaphone apparently.

Anyway they look great, sound wild, and are set to become the party band of the decade.

First track up puts you in mind of the Dexy's classic “The Horse” but these are an eclectic bunch, dipping into jazz-funk, hip-hop and even a sleazily mournful New Orleans funeral stomp.

Jazzers, ravers, soul boys - this is your kind of band; stealing licks here and there from Tower of Power, early Fatbacks, and of course Kevin Rowland's team that hung out in Bearwood caffs.

Like I said, kick youself if you missed it - and don't make the same mistake a second time.