Gig Review: Thomas Truax at The Old Bus Depot

It always seems to be raining when I go to a concert now. Arriving too early, I had a convivial visit to the Billy and then made my way over to the Old Bus Depot. I’d not been before and heard it was hard to find. It wasn’t. 

The door was open and staff were waiting to greet me. A DIY venue in much the same way as J.T. Soar, only bigger. Technical problems with the complexities of Thomas’s unusual equipment delayed the start but not badly. Comfy chairs in the entrance kept everyone happy as more people arrived. This was going to be one of those gigs where everyone had either seen him or knew of his music.  

First up Dusty 4 Track: a duo playing a sort of Blues and Country – songs of broken people and dancing shoes – rather fine, actually. Next were Hex Undone, who seem to have been hit busy at festivals this summer. Jazz Funk rock with hints of, dare I say it, House of Love on one or two tracks.

I wrote hardy any notes about Thomas Truax. There was enough space to amble around the venue and chat to friends whilst the beautiful glass ceiling occasionally dripped tears of joy onto my head.

Impeccably dressed in a non-too perfectly fitting suit, he arrived from the back of the crowd with what seemed to be illuminated glasses and tubular bells on his head.  I didn’t know he had moved to Birmingham. But in some ways, not reading up and having preconceptions is a plus. It keeps your mind fresh. That’s how tonight was. It was, as always, innovative strange, perplexing and amusing. Disappearing off stage whilst still playing a song, only to reappear elsewhere. 

We were all mesmerised. Accompanied by the strangest contraption he calls Mother Superior; a drum machine seemingly made from a couple bike wheels with adjustable levers and hammers that provide the percussion to his songs, there are elements of chance aside the mechanical certainty here.

Humanising the automata, it is as much to watch Mother Superior and his other strange instruments as it is himself. Frequently falling headlong into an antique ear trumpet, trapping with a flexible industrial hose known as the Hornicator, the only recognisable instrument was a metal banjo!

Surprised and astonished at the range of instruments used, yet the music is homely and familiar and inclusive. This was a true performance, completely immersive, entertaining and brilliant. His new album Dream Catching Songs, featuring Budgie (of Siouxsie and the Banshees) is out now and well worth it. 

Thomas Truax performed at The Old Bus Depot on 30 September 2023.