On Monday, 20th of August, I had the pleasure of attending another Under the Influence night, at the Boogaloo. A great music night where every performer plays two of their originals, as well as a cover from that month’s featured artist. This time, the chosen artist was The Cure.
The night was hosted by Nat the Hammer, who was not only a charming host, but also the first performer who played a great acoustic set that included audience participation in a hilarious sing-along that put everyone in good spirits.
Next was Liz Arcane a songstress with beautiful old-fashioned jazzy feel to her voice. One could easily picture her playing with a big band orchestra.
For a completely change of mood, we had the lively Maybe Myrtle Tyrtle next, who performed an energetic, spirited set with a tinge of rockabilly/skiffle to it.
Afterwards, we had Bob Constant & The Goodbye Horses who played an eclectic soulful set and were brilliant in their own quirky uniqueness.
The Lucky Face was next, performing some great rousing songs, as well as my favourite cover version of the night with his rendition of Boys Don’t Cry.
Valerie & Her Weeks Of Wonder came next, lead by Catherine Gerbrands (who also plays with Jowe Head and the Demi-Monde) played a bowed saw (yes you heard that right) that sounded as ethereal as her beautiful voice,which reminded me a bit of Kate Bush. The band played haunting originals that sounded like a cross between a Medieval English Ballad and a sea chanty.
James Saunders played next. He was cheery, witty and funny and had the audience laughing with his story of how he’d gone to a car boot sale to buy an instrument to play on the night and ended up with a dinky electronic keyboard he found for one pound. Somehow, he managed to make this cheesy instrument sound atmospheric, which goes to show, it’s not the instrument but the talent that goes behind it, that matters.
Light Falls Forward were last, but definitely not least with gorgeous harmonies and melodies that were soothing and a perfect end to a brilliant night.
The great thing about Under the Influence, is that it gives every performer a chance to do a cover in their own style, transforming a well-known song into something different. As well as allowing the audience the opportunity to see acts they may not normally get to see together. I highly recommended you go check it out if you have a chance. Scroll a bit further down to see when the next one happens.
P.S – I was unable to find a Facebook page for James Saunders, but if anyone knows of one, please let me know, thank you.
If you enjoyed this review, please like my Facebook page here and be sure to click on the links on this review which will take you to the performers’ Facebook pages and of course, like their pages if you like what you hear.
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The next Under the Influence is coming up on Monday 17th of September, this time, the featured artist will be Kate Bush and you’ll have a chance to catch Liz Arcane and Valerie & Her Weeks Of Wonder amongst others.
Alannah Murphy is a former rock musician turned writer, currently working on a rock'n'roll novel set in London. 
