LIVE REVIEW & GALLERY: The Bar Stool Preachers @ The Waterfront Studio, Norwich
April 27th 2023
Support from Black Water County
First up were Black Water County who I admit I was unfamiliar with aside from a couple of songs I’d listened to enroute to Norwich. Channelling angst and delivering songs about the trials, tribulations and triumphs of life their sound is fast, high octane punk-a-billy with lots of tin whistles, foot stomping, big riffs and infectious choruses. They could be described as drinking music with meaning. The perfect beer in hand chant along. Combining male and female vocals the dynamic of raw and sweet worked well while their excitable stage presence providing the perfect warm up for the night's proceedings. Fun and addictive, the band were a joy to watch. The anthemic, ‘One More Beer Won’t Hurt’ being the set highlight, getting adding to my latest latest “#newobsessions” playlist on the spot! Black Water County are the perfect band to let your hair down to, good honest feel good music!
Moving on the The Bar Stool Preachers and I must warn you this review might be hazy and a little sketchy, after ditching my camera around 4 songs in I entirely forgot I was there in a professional capacity and needed to compile notes to produce a full and complete review instead opting for a sing and stomp along but I suppose that’s the perfect indicator of how good it was. So energetic, uplifting and inclusive the urge to become consumed by the music and the band's vibrant delivery became too much to suppress.
Having reviewed their latest album “Above the Static” I’ve beamed to anyone who’ll listen about how fresh and exciting The Bar Stool Preachers are blending ska with rock, punk and everything in between to craft a genre defining sound that’s so enthralling it elevates them to the very top of their game.
The band's positivity shines at every opportunity delivering their mantra of “family, equality, community” urging us to be part of something bigger than ourselves, to never to look down on anyone, to look after each other and the world around us. Their warmth glowing throughout the set. They present as some of the nicest, most genuine people in rock. Singer TJ bursts personable with Jack-the-Lad charisma and the bond between the band members is apparent throughout. The Bar Stool Preachers are a band to be admired relaying hard hitting lyrics about mental health, getting caught in the rat race of life, losing direction and being there for one another in a high energy, highly addictive fashion.
Playing a good blend of older and newer material it was clear to see how their style has grown and developed from their more pure Ska beginnings to the diverse sound of the new record. Opening with ‘Call Me On the Way Home’ the set was a rollercoaster ride of passion, emotion and stomp-ability. The crowd word perfect on almost every song. It was apparent how much being on stage meant to the band pouring every part of themselves into putting on the best show they could. Every song is a relatable anthem; be it reassurance for the underdog or a beacon of hope for anyone going through a rough patch. The Bar Stool Preachers are like a friend in the dark telling you not to give up and push through because it’ll all be okay in the end.
Stepping outside their frantic, riff driven sound the beautiful ‘Lighthouse Keeper’ showed a more vulnerable side to TJ as he took to the stage for the encore with just keyboard accompaniment. It was stunning and profoundly emotional, almost reducing me to tears. Finishing on fan favourite ‘Bar Stool Preacher’ the band have confirmed what I already knew they are one of the British music scene's brightest stars. Affirming themselves and one of my new favourite bands and best live acts I’ve seen. If you get the chance to go and see them don’t hesitate, I guarantee you’ll come away feeling energised and uplifted.
Something else to mention to further endear you to the band as part of their tour they were asking the audience to bring children's books to their shows to support Tiny Paws - books for kids while also supporting the charity Safe Gigs for Women. The Bar Stool Preachers are an example to other bands, using the platform they’ve been given to not only showcase their music but to do good within the community. Incredible band, even more incredible human beings. In a world that’s become so self absorbed and self indulgent people like this go some way to restoring my faith in humanity.
Full gallery here
