Dirty Jeans - Cedar Room, Barnsley - 3rd June 2011 (Live Review)
Tuesday, 19 July 2011
Written by Sally Atlass
Barnsley favourites, Dirty Jeans, wowed their faithful fans on Friday 3rd of June with the official launch party of their third EP. The self titled recording has four tracks of the usual quality the quartet promise.
So, starting off the party at the launch was the incomparable James Worton. An acoustic act with so much class, passion and promise. His voice is smooth, the songs are upbeat, and he punches out a cleaver mix of his own indie style songs and genius acoustic cover versions.
The Tiny Giants are up next, and they give the very hot and dark room a heavier, more intense atmosphere. For those who haven’t seen this trio, they’re exciting, talented and rocky. There’s a slightly psychedelic feel to their set, with The Wizard of Oz being played on the projector screen behind them. At one point, during one of their songs which has a funky disco drum beat, it looks as though the Tin Man, the Scarecrow and Dorothy are doing a mad dance routine to their track.
And so, it’s the turn of Dirty Jeans to showcase their very special EP, and to really get the party going. The audience move closer to the stage, and the slightly salty taste of excitement is in the air as the band complete their line checks.
The band always put their heart and soul into every performance, but tonight seems to be even more special. Obviously, they put everything into every single song they perform, but especially the four showcasing tunes on their EP. Leading song on the EP, 'The Last Ageing Heart' starts with a distinctive riff with Katie’s clear soprano combining with Gareth’s gruff velvety vocals beautifully. By the time of the last chorus, you’re sucked into the songs powerful riff and bellowing out ‘conceited soul’ with the rest of the audience.
'Tears of God' is more atmospheric, and yet slightly heavier – with the military style drum beat, and Katie’s more aggressive than usual vocals. It takes you on a musical journey this song. It changes from one verse to the next, as the story of the song evolves. It starts off atmospheric, becomes slightly angry, and then ends almost euphorically.
The third track on the EP has already become a live favourite, and goes down with cheers from the gathered masses in the Cedar Room. 'Serenity For The Dying Race' has a beautiful soft and melodic bass line hooking you to the song from the off. And then Gaz’s velvety vocals sooth you further until Katie’s astonishing talent kicks in and shakes you up to start dancing. All this in the first verse, and then your spiralling through the rest of the song with the sheer energy they’ve built up.
As we come to the last song on the EP, 'Burn', it’s not without some regret. It’s been a stomping EP so far, full of eclectic musical styles and searing and moving songs. 'Burn' is no exception. It’s an uplifting song with a stadium worthy chorus.
While Dirty Jeans are a favourite in their home town, they are, inexplicably not as well known outside of Barnsley and South Yorkshire. This is, if not quite a crime, certainly an injustice for a band who is not only producing worthy recordings, but one of the most exciting and energetic live bands I’ve seen for a long time. They’re passionate, talented, and they write explicitly brilliant songs.
Keep going, guys. The future isn’t bright. The future’s Dirty.
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