Review: Dogstock 2008@ Dog & Partridge, Bolton

2:31pm Thursday 31st July 2008

LANCASHIRE Americana, acoustic rock sing-a-longs and a nine-piece ska band crammed on to a cosy stage; not what was anticipated of Bolton’s Music Showcase last Saturday.

But after the main event was cancelled due to insufficient funding, the Dog and Partridge pub saved the day.

The intimate venue on Manor Street hosted a handful of bands sheduled to play the event at Leverhulme Park.

Folk-inspired Andrea Glass performed a graceful collection of acoustic songs, which she describes as “Americana soaked in Bolton rain”.

Clearly influenced by Tracy Chapman and Bob Dylan, the laid-back guitars and sweet vocals were the perfect start to a lazy afternoon in the sunshine (yes sunshine!).

Things moved outdoors momentarily while jazz and blues boys the Bigsby Brothers (minus a percussionist) treated the crowd to an instrumental marvel.

There was enormous intrigue about this act and as soon as the double-bass and guitars strummed into a jazzy rendition of Twinkle Twinkle Little Star their talent oozed out.

Think Django Rhianhart writing music for Pulp Fiction.

It was a fun and lively with Dick Dale-style guitars and I was blown away by their techinal competence.

The Minions played some of their classic tracks and their hook-laden punk rock got the crowd dancing.

The set up seems like a bit of a mess on stage with nine muscians rocking out, including high-ranging trumpets and a loud saxophone, but their unique sound has made them a solid fixture on the Bolton music scene.

Finshing off the night was an impressive performance from Kinks-inspired The Planets.

Proud to be English and inspired by great Northern acts such as The Beatles and The Smiths, this Bolton four-piece played tight guitar pop songs.

Their sound has heralded comparisons to Queen, Bowie and The Police, whilst frontman Steve Evans emanates an eccentricity similar to Jarvis Cocker.

It was a successful night of local music with a laid-back vibe and after seeing such potential I’ll certainly take the time to check out some of these acts again in the near future.

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