91 Pieces, Black Tom.

Lev 1 Esquires Bedford. 12th September 2009.

Prior to 91 Pieces playing what amounts to a comeback gig of sorts, I viewed a sound check by a local band called BLACK TOM. They perform a cover of The Who's "Squeeze box". My mind is made up. It has been a long day and I will not stay for their full set.

The run up to 91 PIECES reappearance is not without problems. Drummer Jack is not to be seen! The show must go on however and the brothers Burke, James and Burkey do not appear to be concerned. They decide to bring us a set of acoustically driven songs. Fresh faced and spiky haired, James is the confident vocalist, while his sibling accomplice has shed his trademark long black hair. The look may be different, but his low slung guitar skills are still so evident. As per usual in the bar, covers dominate. Their version of Dylan's "Subterranean Homesick Blues" offers quite a different and interesting slant. The same cannot be said of "Bad Moon Rising" which sure makes me cringe. Thankfully, it's the only downside of an enjoyable set. After a sharp intake of breath, 91 Pieces revert to what they do best. Their own penned material is written both from the head and the heart. The covers are just superfluous padding, put into perpsective when "Saturday Night" and especially "ASBO" ring out. The former is tonight played in a 'pseudo reggae stylee'. That's the beauty of this band, always willing to try something a little different. Sometimes it works, as in "Saturday night", and occasionally it doesn't; remember "No Woman No Cry"! "Love machine" may be a cheesy cover, but the brothers put their own stamp on it. The case is the same for "Freefalling".