The singer-songwriter celebrated the release of his The Only Road I Know EP...
“It’s my first time at the Bodega so I’m shitting myself” was the confession that started Saturday night’s show. The honesty didn’t stop there and last minute support act Spud quickly had the crowd laughing at the relatable content of his songs featuring themes like Tinder, loving fishing and chocolate biscuits making life better.
It was refreshing to hear raw lyrics that aren’t just about heartbreak or love, but tell a story about everyday life; talking about the less epic bits that are just 'alright'. His music was fast paced and accompanied by a guitar, with the main focus on the lyrics. I was reminded a little of the film Juno and accompanying music by the Moldy Peaches because of the same anti-folk feeling, but just with a more Nottingham twist. Especially that one song he sang about Robin Hood.
The Bodega had opened its doors at 7pm earlier that night for an evening of music leading up to the grand release of Brad Dear’s first EP, The Only Road I Know. The support for Dear was obvious when I walked into the venue with at least ten of the people were sporting t-shirts with the singer songwriter’s logo smacked right across the middle.
The atmosphere was fun and full of excitement, some clearly family and friends and others simply fans of the music. By the time the second support act had found his way on stage a balloon had begun to make its way around the gig, everyone (especially those who had some drinks by then) frantically bouncing it in the air.
Pete Jackson played a great acoustic set of songs with perfect vocals. It was hard to believe he was only experienced at open mic night before this.
Brad Dear, accompanied by a band got on stage around half eight, with Lizzie on the violin, Chris on drums and Andy bringing in some classic guitar sounds. Red and blue lights flashed on stage and the crowd listened for a quick "thank you" before the set began and then again for some of Lizzie's jokes as a technical issue got sorted. Which to be fair, she had to think of on the spot.
The Violin worked well with the folk-rock feel of the songs, adding a new element to some old songs that hadn’t been there before. Brad himself was singing a bunch of tunes from his new EP including The Only Road I Know and Billy Brown. All of which went down well and had a ton of people dancing along to and praising the lyrics.
Brad Dear EP Launch Party was at the Bodega Saturday 12th March 2017.
Brad Dear website
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