Live Review

The Wonderstuff – Shepherds Bush Empire, London

• 29th May 2009

It probably isn’t possible for Miles Hunt to put on a bad live show. Whether he is guest spotting with bands like the Mission, or fronting his own long running band here, the guy has stage presence. He can play, he can sing, he can dish out a good anecdote in between songs, and he can carry a show on his shoulders. Doesn’t matter how cocky the guy is, he’s got talent.

His band of regulars do what they can to keep up. Be it in the fresh face of violinist Erica Nockalls, the thundering beat of drummer Andres Karu (Impressive, but stuck behind an almost permanent cloud of smoke), the earnest approach of guitarist Malcolm Treece, and even despite the gloom and glum look, (more so than Droopy Dog) of their bassist Mark McCarthy (seriously the whole gig, Miserable!) it’s a grand performance.

Tonight’s show marks the 20th year anniversary of their debut album material. The night sounds a lot more punk than normal then. The golden age of the Wonderstuff does get a look in, but not until the encore. Before then it’s a powerhouse of raw sounding material. Some guests also get the special privilege of hearing a little after show music courtesy of the band. Even at this late stage they all manage to put in a powerful performance like they had just come on stage.
If this is how good the band sound performing their debut material, one can then wonder and hope about the years to come when they revisit further material.

The short of it is that the Wonderstuff belong on a list of bands that everyone should see live before they die. Whether you are a fan or not, some acts are worth catching live, and this is one of them.

Look out Glastonbury! Here they return