FIONN REGAN Live @ The Wedgewood Rooms, 22/02/2010

Loz Bridge

Loz Bridge is gaining a bit of a reputation. Having dropped the box social, he’s now all on his own. On the back of supporting David Ford, he’s Hampshire’s best kept secret, winning fans wherever he plays. It’s no exception to night as everyone shifts from the bar as China starts the evening. He seems very much at home, full of confidence on the big stage. Armed with only his acoustic guitar, the sound and lyrics really captures your attention and imagination, inventive yet uncomplicated. The folksy-blues sound you could say is meant for the old smoky blues club, but this very much a sound for now and should be appreciated on a much bigger level. The slow burner of ‘The Room’, ends the very accomplished set on a grandiose high.
Danny and the Champions of the World open with Henry the Van, a nice slow introduction to the band before they really bring the song to life. From then on its all proper Americana. Real feel good, toe-tapping goodness. The band themselves ooze enthusiasm and this really rubs off on the crowd and their cover of My Girl a personal highlight.
With Fionn on stage, his band is basically DATCOTW. Its more confusingly rather than being a novelty. In all honesty the music’s the same, but gone is that playful edge and replaced with his beautiful velvet voice. The band does a really good job in showing his songs in their full potential and thankfully doesn’t overshadow him. New single catacombs break out the biggest cheer of the night in what has generally been a subdued yet appreciative night of music.