Ducks Deluxe

The Halfmoon has been open for music since 1963 and has hosted many celebrated bands in its time including the Stranglers, U2 and the Rolling Stones. Apparently, the latter still use it for rehearsals at times and even played a secret gig in 2000.

It's been a few years since I last visited the Halfmoon and from what I remember it was seeing some form of tribute band which seem to be heavily featured at weekends. It's good to be back as it's a splendid venue in up-market Putney. There was a refurbishment last year and the re-fit has done nothing to dampen its charm. It's a Young's pub so there's a good selection of real ale with the Special Bitter being the beer of choice but due to a slightly wimpish feeling I go for the straight no nonsense bitter which is lighter but equally palatable. There's also a Lebanese menu which looked nicely varied but tonight I'm here for the beer and the band.

Tonight it's a welcome return for Ducks Deluxe. The band formed way back in 1972 but split a couple of years later after the pub rock route failed to flower commercially for the band. A shame really as the punk rock years were just around the corner, an era the Ducks could probably adapted to without too much cosmetic surgery. Now they're back with a new mini-CD 'Box of Shorts' (which they play in its entirety) to promote at a few low key shows. The band take the stage at 9.00pm to a smallish but appreciative audience with 2 of the group sporting those flowery shirts that indicate a distinct lack of fashion sense or a 'don't give a toss' attitude that one has earned but the time you are a fifty-something. Sean Tyla and Martin Belmont are the 2 remaining members of the original band and they share lead vocals and guitars throughout the set.

The new songs are strong too with 'Tremolo Bay' hitting a bluesy swagger and 'Diesel Heart' getting those feet tapping like they were on loan from Fred Astaire. The first album is highly represented too with 'Nervous Breakdown' featuring vocals from Belmont and sounding like 'Summertime Blues' which all makes sense when we are informed that it was an Eddie Cochran song. The tone is a mixture of pub-country – rock and roll with the stand out appeal of Belmont's fluid and pristine lead playing. It really does light up the proceedings with the correct balance of pitch and mood. The fact that Belmont is about 18 foot tall and looks more suited the NBA league is all the more amusing when he grimaces through various solos. However, I doubt Michael Jordan could play the guitar quite to this standard but hey I could be wrong on that one.

Unfortunately, throughout the gig there's a drunken guy who seems to think shouting out "alright...rock and roll" after every song is at the cutting edge of Halfmoon comedy. Basically he’s a pain but the relaxed atmosphere allows him to carry on unchallenged even though the band look to be losing patience with him. Belmont eventually admonished him with the news that he has the microphone and can thus attain more volume that his alcohol fuelled torso could muster. A good call but this guy runs them close on the volume front.

Anyway, back to the music. There's more stuff from 'Box of Shorts' care of 'Red Dust Highway' and 'Dig it Deep' and a selection of tunes from their 1970's albums. 'Don't Mind Rockin' Tonight' and 'Fireball' go down well with the Astaire stompers and a psychedelic cover of the Flaming Groovies 'Teenage Head' is a step out of the comfort zone for band and crowd. During the set they also cover a couple of Bob Dylan songs: 'Absolutely Sweet Marie' and 'Knockin' on Heavens Door'. The latter actually sounds like an average cover band in a pub type and the sing-along encouraged by Tyla is half hearted at best. A strange number to play and oddly enough one of the weakest songs played tonight, especially considering it's a Dylan classic.

The set ends with 'Coast to Coast' and I must admit that this is one of my favourite songs of all time and the reason I'm here tonight. I first heard it on Radio Luxembourg many moons ago and the sheer joy of hearing it gets me every time. If you listen to the original (which you must) you'll note a real sense of urgency in the vocals which Tyla can't quite replicate in this 2009 version. It's more like a country rock performance but is redeemed by sterling guitar form Belmont once more.

Another cover, 'It's All Over Now', finishes things off nicely and the band leave the stage with a "see you in 30 years" kiss off line. Having waited aeons to actually see this band I was pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed them and whilst they may not have the power or relevance of yesteryear they perform with true craft and subtle humour. It would have been good to see them in their heyday with what I reckoned would have been a stunning intensity and youthful energy. However, this year's model will do just fine so let's just ignore that 30 years threat and keep an eye out for a classic pub rock band that knows how to show you a good time. I'm sure we'd all drink to that.

FUTURE GIGS

sorry, we currently have no gigs listed for this act.