LMLW Presents The Ambersons
Love Music Live Warrington presents The Ambersons with Special Guests at Warrington Irish Club, Friday 7th October 2022
The weather tonight is grim; the rain is horizontal – but wet weather can’t dampen the spirits tonight because the lineup at ‘The Irish Club‘ in Warrington is impressive and promises sunshine! Gigs are always great at this venue, the drinks are super reasonably priced, the staff are lovely and you get that real British social club feel. Love Music Live Warrington offers very strong events so if you’re local and into live music, it’s well worth checking out!
Tonight’s is somewhat of a reunion gig. ‘The Ambersons‘ are our headline act and have a fair following judging by tonight’s turnout. With vibrant indie/folk sounds, we’re in for a treat, and as special guests go tonight’s guests are indeed very special. The wonderfully vibrant ‘Vicky Williams‘, a firm favourite locally, and ‘Muddy Elephant‘, one of my personal favourites, who often headline in their own right! So we really are in store for some excellent music tonight! A sell-out, at 150 capacity tonight, the venue is laid out with tables and chairs around the dance floor. As I arrive, it’s already really busy, with mixed ages including some older kids, which is always great to see. There’s a real buzz in the air, although with a lineup like this I’d expect nothing less! There’s a full and comprehensive set from both special guests and a full original set from our headline followed by a covers set until late.
(Vicki Williams_Credit: PAC Photography)
Support: Vicky Williams –vocal/acoustic guitar, Nick Cork – bass, Dez Ryan – Cajon
Well known on the local music circuit, Vicky Williams starts proceedings tonight. Normally solo acoustic which she excels at, but a last-minute decision gives us the addition of bass provided by Nick and Cajon from Dez. This brings real dimension to the sound, it works brilliantly. As ever with Vicky, it’s a very quirky, witty and genuine performance (which is why I personally love her sets so much.) Up on stage, she shines like a star, has a huge stage presence and is so likeable. Fascinating to watch in her trade mark cowboy boots and with her trusty acoustic guitar, which she affectionately calls Rambo, decorated freshly for each performance and tonight bears reference to our headline act, ‘The Ambersons‘, which is a lovely touch. Very original material and stunning covers which she makes completely her own, that aforementioned sparkling wit – the sounds are a hybrid of folk, country, gypsy rock and indie, binding together effectively. The vocal range is exquisite, from breathy whispers to sweetness, then high and loud, almost reaching whistle tones, that sweet, honey tone masking ironic themes and unusual subject matter and mentioning amongst other things ‘sharp turds’ and ‘gonorrhoea’, and ‘heads in boxes’ which she reliably announces is about the cult 80s film ‘Return to Oz’, not Jeffry Dahmer! It’s one feisty but feminine set, I get real Kate Nash feels, but with Katy Perry or Zooey Deschanel kookiness. Up-tempo, feel good, with such warmth and genuine enthusiasm…and THAT VOICE, it makes the hairs stand up on the back of our necks! Very well received and a truly glorious set. Please check out Vicky Williams, she s so refreshing and original! You can catch Vicky next week, Friday 14th October, here at the Irish Club, Warrington, again. She’ll be doing a solo acoustic set, supporting the wonderful and legendary Ben Ottewell from Gomez.
Setlist: The Sea Shimmers, Hosepipe Lasso, Flocking on the Ridge, 123 Ha Ha, Who knows where the Time goes (Fairport Convention/Sandy Denny), & Deal with God/Running up that Hill (Kate Bush)
(Muddy Elephant_PAC Photography)
Second Support: Muddy Elephant
Sam Passey – vocal/guitar, Liam Fraser – drums, Matt Webster – bass, Carlos Jones – lead guitar
I just love a ‘Muddy Elephant‘ gig, and tonight will be the first time I see them with new drummer Liam Fraser. You can 100 percent rely on this band, consistently good, but each performance is fresh and interesting and brings something new… Based in Chester, this indie pop/alt-indie band really bring a feel of that early 90s indie glam and decadent feel. It’s a high-energy set right from the off tonight…crashing guitars, soaring bass lines and stomping beats. Sam’s vocal is full of depth and character – deeper tones for the most part, very rounded and echoey, almost Elvis-like at times, but then reaching higher notes when needed. He apologises for his voice, explaining he’s really not well with a sore throat…we really cannot tell, it sounds amazing! Very tight as a band, well-rehearsed and very clean, concise sounds. So many influences coming through…I get real Editors feels, a David Bowie androgyny type feels, but massive block party feels tonight. Real jagged, edgy guitars, strutting and pounding beats, really dance or club-like, all awash with glittering and dazzling guitar lines, then that ever-present grounding of the bass line holding it all together…it all makes for one spectacular sound! Personally, I can’t keep still; we have real upbeat, dance-worthy tunes. Interaction is genuine and friendly, encouraging people to get up and dance. ‘Muddy Elephant’ are one very cool and sleek band. As a frontman Sam is captivating, hypnotic almost, swaying back and to whilst playing the guitar, dancing back to back with Carlos on lead guitar during instrumentals and all four guys are giving so much energy and passion to tonight’s set. Songs are all original and vary in content and themes ranging from saving the elephant to having fun and doing as you like. Another stunning performance from these effortlessly cool guys. I say it every time, but Muddy Elephant capture something individual, a real Glamtastic, slick and original feel. You can next catch Muddy Elephant on Friday 18th November at the Live Rooms Chester….a home town headline gig is sure to go off in epic style and is not to be missed! Thank you Muddy Elephant for bringing your own brand of shimmering cool and rocking out again big time!
Set List: Killer Bee, Cucumbers, Alice, When in Rome, Noches, Lonely, Tusk, Helter Skelter
(Ambersons_Credit: PAC Photography)
Rick Mcloughlin – drums, Andy Fairnington – bass guitar/backing vocals, Ben Ashton – guitars/backing vocals, Phil Bond – guitars/backing vocals, Alex Light – keys, Ste (Midge) Fairnington – lead vocals
So now for our headline act, The Ambersons, arriving on stage with a walk on the intro of ‘Pure Imagination’ from the soundtrack of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. It really does set the scene. With broad grins and huge waves to the crowd, our Warrington-based 6-piece band begin their set with ‘Vampyres’. Very atmospheric, strong drum lead, with our frontman, Midge, encouraging the crowd to clap in time. Backing tracks, and sounds that are otherworldly, give more feels. It’s eerie and sets the tone, then once the acoustic guitars join in we switch to a much more folk-driven sound. It’s very rich and multi-dimensional. Melodic piano and soft bass lines add to the mellowness of it all. The vocal is light and breezy, the harmonies very effective and really hone in on that folk sound, yet so many genres are mixed into this sound that it’s something to behold. very layered, textured, building sounds, often starting with a strong drumming rhythm or acoustic guitar, then adding in bit by bit the multitude of other sounds, instruments and vocals. Often a real, easy listening, the 70s feel, particularly within the vocal, but then at other times that frantic, guitar strumming, folk style not dissimilar to Mumford and Sons (instrumentally). We alternate with the keys, between that epic Hammond organ sound reminiscent of The Doors or The Charlatans, but then the melodic piano sounds giving us back that more intricate and delicate fill feel. Very eclectic and very retro, I get the 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s vibes, but it sits very well within the now nostalgia-fuelling and warm fuzzy feelings. The guys look very at home on stage and you can see this means a lot to them. People are up dancing, singing the lyrics back to them. It’s a brilliant atmosphere, very laid back and joyous! Between songs, there’s humour and banter between band members and the audience, and thanks are given repeatedly. The themes and backgrounds of songs are explained and there are dedications to family members. It’s a very family-friendly feel and is very inclusive. I get massive Bob Dylan feels and also Travelling Wilburys…in fact, a George Harrison influence throughout…even a Beatle-Esque feel within the harmonies. The first part of tonight’s headline set, the originals, has been brimming full of sound, inspiration and great performance. Lilting, lullaby-type singing with warm, dripping with honey vocals. Very cleverly done, the classic, easy listening mixed with folk, in a very retro way with an early acoustic movement feel but then with the use of backing tracks and electronic sounds. So layered and rich. It’s a very sing-along feeling gig now, like a cosy gathering by a warming fire, and with 150 people that’s not easy to achieve, but the Ambersons tonight have indeed! It’s truly heartwarming. The covers set/encore goes down equally well and the guys firmly attach their Amberson stamp onto each cover, and each track is a pure delight to hear. The set comes to a close and we have rapturous applause and the guys are mobbed getting off stage in a sea of hugs and handshakes!
All 3 of our acts tonight stay to mingle and chat afterwards. It’s a lovely environment, so friendly and welcoming. Tonight’s event has been thoroughly enjoyable, a very diverse and varied lineup, well performed and worked spectacularly. Very well done! The Ambersons, you were great, it’s been a truly uplifting and really smile-inducing and joy-spreading set.
Set List: Intro tape –Pure Imagination, Vampyres, IT, The Magnificent Ambersons Medicine Show, My Isobelle, A Little Love, Oh Little Girl, Hole in my Head, Sometimes, Should I be Astounded?
A Huge thanks to Jim Addison who puts on these events at the Irish Club, and to the brilliant sound team. They’re genuinely a great night out, and well worth checking out.
Words: Janet Harding
Photography: PAC Photography
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