With those massive wagon wheels rolling into Birmingham, we get a couple of ruffians along for the ride. The job of opening the evening was handed to Cam Cole, a new name to me but scratch the surface and he already has three albums under his belt, a documentary and a selection of EP’s. Oh my, he has been busy.
His persona is very hippy-like, he exudes an aura of earthiness and a reasoned outlook and logic. His music is a mix of Blues, Folk and Rock, which to me immediately reminds me of The Black Crowes. Armed with his nifty array of guitars, he hands out candied pieces of his work, laced with bourbon and thrown into the crowd.
A one man travelling band, tonight though he was joined by his jumping, jiving New Age sister onstage, his busking background is evident in the performance, there is an unfinished quality, which actually adds to the overall look and sound. His attitude and aptitude are something quite different, and it is refreshing to see artists maintaining their integrity, and not straying too far from the world as they see it. Looking for something different? Then look no further, Cam Cole ticks all the boxes, and then some, he also reaches the parts other beers cannot reach.
From my strategically enhanced viewpoint, teetering at the top of the stairs, I could see the Welsh flag, billowing proudly, the dragon a sight to behold. With this signal, our cousins Florence Black took their places and without a moment’s hesitation began to demolish the room. They were loud, brash, a pure blend of rhythm and blues, crispy around the edges and imbibed with the essence of raw talent, singed with vivacity and a playfulness that permeates their music.
A few words from my friend Peter who saw them in Southampton,
‘The Welsh rockers had the crowd up and jumping, another hard hitting display from a band that will go far in today’s rock music’.
Well, that is a pretty accurate description of what was shaping up to be an absolute firecracker of a gig. They needed neither encouragement or instruction, they knew what the deal was, and they got on with it, nothing fancy, nothing flowery, just gutsy grooves and satisfyingly beefy beats that you can dunk into your Bovril, satiating the heartiest of appetites. It was time to ‘Look Up’ and see the ‘Warning Sign’ or else face the wrath of a ‘Bed Of Nails’ our friends circling the ‘Sun and Moon’ to bring new music to you.
A memorable night, one that filled our hearts with happiness, blessings and connection with bands we admire and cherish.
The allure of such skill and dedication transpires abundantly, it’ll see you right, even when black is the night.
Azra Pathan
Cam Cole/ Florence Black – O2 Institute Birmingham, 26th November 2024