“I’ve just got out of hospital after having an operation, had a bad accident on Saturday so I’m pretty high on morphine…. so it’s all good times” Dave Greene announces before thanking the crowd for their attendance at Barefoot Magicians’ ‘I’m Hooked’ and ‘ It’s All Take’ singles launch in Sin E, Dublin on Friday night. But he needn’t have apologized. Except for a vocal break in ‘The Awakening’ the band sounded on point with lush grooves, tasty guitar lines and blues tones filling the room with the most delectable dance-able aroma. What Greene may have lacked in physical energetic display ( understandably ) they made up for with their proficient delivery of their groovy tunes.
The crowd pack to the floor to wiggle to ‘Shakey Ground’ “we’re here till after midnight so come and go as you please” Greene assures. There is definitely that vibe about their set- as if we are here not exactly to see them. They are the perks, those melting melodies, shrilling thrills of guitar and jazz infused piano jingles are the delightful soundtrack to a night of friendly chatter, drinking and spontaneous dancing as the crowd wander in and out as they please. A set filled with mostly original music goes down well with the crowd and the sweet twang of harmonica sounds are enchanting within the live setting. The band regularly blast into heart-pounding blues instrumentals that linger with slick guitar solos, dramatic drum pops and animated keys playfully meandering through the elastic bass grooves while the harmonica whacks out riff worthy refrains. This is where the band showcases their prowess.
A sweet cover of Cage The Elephant’s ‘Ain’t No Rest For The Wicked’ sparked the audience to get up and dance as Barefoot Magicians cruise through a swagger drenched rendition of the steamy track loosening up the crowds hips. This cleverly placed track and a cover of Fatboy Slim’s ‘Praise You’ (which was dedicated to the women for International Women’s Day) are the final ice breakers that pulled the crowd to the dance floor. New single ‘I’m Hooked’ translates superbly live. The band themselves become more playful and energetic for their shiny new single and that vaporous break in the track causes the perfect shift for those getting close on the dance floor. Greene wiggles back and forth to each track. He is the bands metronome ticking left to right- keeping their groove filled time in check as Graham Stewart on Guitar, Brian Steemers on drums & percussion, Fergal Mulligan on bass and Hugh Caren on keys remain immersed in their performance. Another play of ‘I’m Hooked’ provokes twerking, thrusting, bopping and feet shuffling as audience members swarm from all corners of the venue to join the mass dancing. Those hiding in the corners, among the shadows and hovering around the bar are coaxed to the dance floor as the band play the sought after one more tune…. a shredding cover of Chuck Berry’s Johnny B. Goode.
It was an energetic, professional show from Barefoot Magicians. They are growing nicely and have ace tunes that hook you into their infectious sound. The only downside was ‘Cruel Mistress’ didn’t make the set list … i’m gutted.
