Dirty Sister Stir Up Water Rats

Showcase nights that throw together different groups of musicians spanning a mix of styles are always fun to go along to, opening your ears to a range of talent. And so tonight we bounced from the rocking tones of Doctor Da Vinci to the growling screams of metalers Rank Outsiders and onto the delicate, dulcet tones of solo keyboardist/vocalist Conrad before bouncing London duo Dirty Sister grace the Water Rats’ stage.

The indistinguishable tones of a Bouzouki, a Greek stringed instrument for the uninitiated, kick off the duo’s set, the instrument’s imposing form and intricate detailing ensuring Tom Bridle and Lorenzo Poulloura’s Dirty Sister set themselves apart from any contemporaries. The single tone is added to with beats, guitar and heavy breathing before taking the shape of familiar John Williams’ Imperial March from the Star Wars films, the theme itself melding into first song Kiss, Poulloura taking on lead vocal duties for the rock number.

“A big shout out to everyone who played before us” yells Poulloura over a beat, taking the time to recognise their penultimate slot on tonight’s schedule before Bridle takes on lead vocal duties for Filthy Grip. The initially sombre tones turn towards the Hard-Fi school of fun next, the boys’ strong London accents deliberately present: “listen mate, she’s got you in her filthy grip” they sing, Tom rounding out the tune with an outing of his harmonica, which is greeted with an extra round of applause from the crowd.

The duo trade stage sides once again as Lorenzo takes on lead vocals for Now You Turn Your Back On Me, Tom’s early synth solo slightly stunted as Lorenzo explains “that thing is usually a lot closer to Tom in the rehearsal room!”, a comment eliciting whistles from the crowd as a grinning Tom switches relatively effortlessly between his Telecaster and the synth for the duration of the track.

Encouraging his audience to get closer to the stage, Bridle kicks off another rock movie theme rendition, with Poulloura’s Bouzouki adding that traditional Greek vibe to John Williams’ theme from the Harry Potter films ahead of another original, Lorenzo encouraging the crowd to sing and clap along to Reality TV with Tom’s guitar doubling nicely to add weight with bass guitar parts to another fun, foot-stomping tune. “Bouzouki solo!” yells Tom, encouraging Lorenzo partway through the tune.

“This is a newer song, it’s a bit calmer than the last one” Bridle says, introducing Middle Class Busker, the song’s story quickly evoking thoughts of Ed Sheeran “he’s got working class swagger but he’s really just a middle class busker” he sings. “At Maida Value studios he’s playing on live lounge, he’s a busker” the duo continue to chuckles from the audience.

“People that know us, thanks for coming. People that don’t, thanks for being nice” Bridle says before the duo kick off their last song with another cover intro, this time in the form of the intro to Queen classic We Will Rock You. But it’s last song Knocking On My Door that makes the audience listen up once more, singing along with its infectious chorus.

Live review and photos of Dirty Sister @ Water Rats by Kalpesh Patel on 24^th January 2018.

Kalpesh has more music photography up on his flickr stream here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/somethingforkate

Gracie Abrams Announces Third Album ‘Daughter From Hell’ And Unveils Lead Single ‘Hit The Wall’

Gracie Abrams is entering a bold new era with the announcement of her third studio album Daughter From Hell, set for release on 17th July. Alongside the announcement, the GRAMMY®-nominated singer-songwriter has also shared the album’s lead single, Hit The Wall, offering fans a first glimpse into what promises to be another emotionally charged and deeply personal collection.

Dan + Shay Announce Deeply Personal New Album ‘Young’ And Share Inspiring Title Track

Country-pop superstars Dan + Shay have unveiled details of their highly anticipated sixth studio album Young, set for release on 21st August. Alongside the announcement, the GRAMMY®-winning duo have shared the album’s heartfelt title track, offering fans an emotional first glimpse into what promises to be their most intimate record to date.

Issac Ryan Brown Keeps Momentum Surging With Infectious New Single ‘Life Of The Party’

Issac Ryan Brown’s rapid ascent continues with the release of his vibrant new single Life Of The Party, a glossy pop-R&B anthem that further establishes the 20-year-old as one of the genre’s most exciting breakout stars.

Jamie Grey Channels Heartfelt Honesty On New Single ‘Unequivocal’

Rising UK singer-songwriter Jamie Grey continues to cement his reputation as one of Britain’s most emotionally authentic new voices with the release of his powerful new single, Unequivocal.

Jesse Roper (Danielle Lindenlaub & Kim Jay of Ethos Imagery)

Jesse Roper Turns Up The Heat With Fiery New EP ‘Daisy Wake Up’

Canadian singer-songwriter Jesse Roper is continuing his steady rise on both sides of the Atlantic with the release of his brand-new EP Daisy Wake Up, a six-track collection that finds the acclaimed guitarist and storyteller leaning fully into his love of gritty blues-rock and high-energy Americana.

Headwreck Join EMPIRE And Unleash Explosive New Single ‘Raindrops’

Australian nu-metal rising stars Headwreck have taken another major step towards international breakout success, announcing a new partnership with independent powerhouse EMPIRE alongside the release of their ferocious new single, Raindrops.

Bruce Foxton @ Cadogan Hall (Louise Phillips)

Bruce Foxton & Chris Difford Bring Nostalgia And Charm To London’s Cadogan Hall

There are few venues in London better suited to an evening of sharp songwriting and classic British wit than the wonderfully elegant Cadogan Hall. For the first of two nights at the venue, Bruce Foxton and special guest Chris Difford delivered a show steeped in nostalgia, humour and timeless songs that have long since become woven into the fabric of British music culture. While Difford provided warmth and charm through a career-spanning opening set, Foxton and his band revisited the enduring catalogue of The Jam with the confidence and polish of musicians who know exactly what their audience wants.

Brian Fallon Returns With First Solo Music In Over Five Years On ‘Not Bad For New Jersey’ And ‘Better Before’

Brian Fallon has returned with his first original solo material in more than five years, unveiling two brand-new tracks: Not Bad For New Jersey and Better Before. Released via Fallon’s own Lesser Known Records, the songs mark a fresh chapter for the New Jersey songwriter while reconnecting with the heartland rock and power-pop sensibilities that have defined his career both as a solo artist and as frontman of The Gaslight Anthem.