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Ahhhhh, The Garage Highbury, a quaint little venue which on the 18th October 2004 became the stopping post of rock and roll legends in the making. From the moment they graced the stage like four lost extras from the Mary Poppins chimney sweep routine I was mesmerised. Sure, I had the first album and had seen a few pics on the website but nothing prepared me for the astounding performance I was about to view. As if the usual Garage crowd oddballs weren't entertaining enough Mooney Suzuki well and truly rocked me and the rest of Highbury from head to toe!
Sammy Jones Junior led the band through an amazing set with a happy arrogance that made you nod with approval; I could almost read everyone's minds as they danced like I imagine they never had before. Graham Tyler donning one of the most spectacular leatherette waistcoats I have ever seen was also outstanding on lead guitar, as he swayed around the stage and often in to the front row he was supported by dozens of hands helping him back to his feet. There was so much personality bursting form the stage that you didn't know quite where to look and for me personally this signifies a band that you want to see over and over again.
As they belted out great song after song you could tell that "Alive and Amplified" was going to become your new favourite album on its release the following week, the single from the album did not disappoint and there was not one single gig goer not sweating their own body weight as they danced along.
Another absolute classic was "Shake That Pussy" with the kind of rhythm that has you tapping your feet from the first chord and saw the band playing an remarkable collection of guitar solos and drum scales and I think this would make a sure hit next single. Further thumbs up should go to the drummer resembling Tiny Tim minus his crutches with his cheeky chappy attire who scaled the amp system at every given opportunity much to the crowds applause and amusement.
The bands antics as being 'a little bit special' were only emphasized when the singer took to the guitarists shoulders whilst both still playing their guitars and striding through the audience. This was SPECIAL. Even when the lead singer began slightly falling he showed no panic as he confidently knew his adoring fans would in the words immortalised by the Topgun soundtrack 'lift him up where he belonged' and during this my man proudly received his very first 'rock injury' from the fret bar of Sammy Jones' guitar. Another victim of a 'rock injury' was a girl next to me who got caught in the face with a scissor kick during another of the bands superb crowd surfing whilst still playing escapades. On behalf of everyone I would like to wish her luck with her up coming reconstructive jaw surgery and see you at the next gig, I'm sure she thought it was worth taking the hit to keep the band surfing!
I once read that in the days when rock and roll was still a developing musical style speaker quality was so poor that the only way to make bands sound ok was to turn the volume up to 11 so that it was so loud you couldn't hear how bad the songs were, well I would like to say that's no longer the case, yes it was loud and maybe even turned up to 12 but they were fantastic songs and a live band not to be missed.
Sammy Jones Junior led the band through an amazing set with a happy arrogance that made you nod with approval; I could almost read everyone's minds as they danced like I imagine they never had before. Graham Tyler donning one of the most spectacular leatherette waistcoats I have ever seen was also outstanding on lead guitar, as he swayed around the stage and often in to the front row he was supported by dozens of hands helping him back to his feet. There was so much personality bursting form the stage that you didn't know quite where to look and for me personally this signifies a band that you want to see over and over again.
As they belted out great song after song you could tell that "Alive and Amplified" was going to become your new favourite album on its release the following week, the single from the album did not disappoint and there was not one single gig goer not sweating their own body weight as they danced along.
Another absolute classic was "Shake That Pussy" with the kind of rhythm that has you tapping your feet from the first chord and saw the band playing an remarkable collection of guitar solos and drum scales and I think this would make a sure hit next single. Further thumbs up should go to the drummer resembling Tiny Tim minus his crutches with his cheeky chappy attire who scaled the amp system at every given opportunity much to the crowds applause and amusement.
The bands antics as being 'a little bit special' were only emphasized when the singer took to the guitarists shoulders whilst both still playing their guitars and striding through the audience. This was SPECIAL. Even when the lead singer began slightly falling he showed no panic as he confidently knew his adoring fans would in the words immortalised by the Topgun soundtrack 'lift him up where he belonged' and during this my man proudly received his very first 'rock injury' from the fret bar of Sammy Jones' guitar. Another victim of a 'rock injury' was a girl next to me who got caught in the face with a scissor kick during another of the bands superb crowd surfing whilst still playing escapades. On behalf of everyone I would like to wish her luck with her up coming reconstructive jaw surgery and see you at the next gig, I'm sure she thought it was worth taking the hit to keep the band surfing!
I once read that in the days when rock and roll was still a developing musical style speaker quality was so poor that the only way to make bands sound ok was to turn the volume up to 11 so that it was so loud you couldn't hear how bad the songs were, well I would like to say that's no longer the case, yes it was loud and maybe even turned up to 12 but they were fantastic songs and a live band not to be missed.
Whatever music you are into this is a fantastic feel good experience which leaves you with the same warm elation as when you find a tenner you had forgotten about in an old jean pocket. I urge you to see this band at least once in your life time and support them as they are the new rock royalty. Mooney Suzuki, I salute you.
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