Live Review

Dutch Uncles – Bush Hall, London

• 31st Jan 2011

When one thinks of rock and roll, it doesn’t usually conjure up images of drapes, chandeliers and thick shag pile carpet. But so it happens, these were the surroundings for tonight’s ‘New To Q sessions’ at the Bush Hall. Headlined by the famed Egyptian Hip Hop, Dutch Uncles took one of the support slots to play to a room of industry eager’s and fans.

Opening, first support Alex Winston flirted the crowd with a taste of what was to come. Although different in her style and approach to the rest, she set a pleasant scene for what was to be an interesting evening.

When an entire audience decide to descend to the floor between bands to natter about the next artist on, you wouldn’t expect them to be particularly the type to enjoy Dutch Uncles finely tuned guitar penetrating melodies. Though subtle with their responses you could tell many in the crowd were enjoying the set. As each track wavered its aggressive punch into those watching, nods of appreciation duly complied. But this lack of real intense atmosphere and stale ‘hands in pocket’ type vibe dragged the whole evening to be too industrialised for my liking. For bands that would most certainly be readily praised by any musically aware teenager, the effect on those in the room itself wasn’t felt – this was a real shame.

The set started with the track ‘Face In’ easing people in with its choppy guitar riffs, photographers cowering at the front shooting the eagerly tipped band. Playing through a few sound problems, Dutch Uncles pushed to create a spacey atmosphere versed by lead singer Duncan Wallis, oozing all the good qualities essential to any front-man, even choosing to accustom himself with some fetching dance moves throughout. Moving from the edgy guitar based feel to the more melancholic piano based tracks, the band felt connected throughout the perfectly paced set.
Although Duncan’s voice can seem to get tedious at times, the backing is never far from brilliant.

Supporting such a twee band like Egyptian Hip Hop is no easy task, but Dutch Uncles ended well, psyching audience members up for the rest of the evening, subtle as they were at showing it.

Dutch Uncles tour the UK throughout February.

6/10