Gig Reviews: Mudheads @ The Bunch of Grapes, Bristol (6th Feb 2005)

by Paul Loader

Considering that the evening was billed as a showcase for acoustic acts, Mudheads ripped through the audience like a Nun's first curry.

The rest of the evenings entertainment were as you would expect...folkies, singing angst soaked ballads about the unfairness of existance. Mudheads didn't!.

I loved it! they did a load of songs I knew, full on, in your face and full of energy, and some that I didn't (their own, they claimed). The line up was two acoustic guitars and a drummer. The singer sang and yelled his lungs out, the drummer looked like he was having a ball, and the second guitarist grunged away for all that he was worth.

I think the reason that I liked it, and have been moved to write a review is that I found them infectious. They clearly love what they do, and they want the audience to love it as well.

I noticed that people stopped talking and listened. Mind you I reckon the guy on the desk had a bit of a soft spot for them as the volume definitly climbed a notch or two.

Mudheads demanded being listened to. They claimed to be back the following week, with electric guitars on the band night. This I have got to see!

You've got to be balanced in a review, and there were a few things they could have improved on. The singer struggled with a few of the high notes, but then again, he did apologies at the beginning of the set for having a sore throat. The second guitarist (clearly a lot younger than the other two) lacked a bit of confidence with the backing vocals and often sang the same line as the other singer as opposed to a harmony (I know he is more than capable as he did sing some harmonies more than adequately). I'm nit picking I know, but I didn't want anybody to think this was written by one of the band. Sad really. They won't get anywhere as they are too old (apart from one of em!!) and they wouldn't come under that boy band banner. Still worth going to see though. As I said I had a great time singing along!