In an evening pulsating with musical brilliance, The Blockheads captivated the Acapela Studio in Cardiff on the 7th of November. This intimate, boutique venue, renowned for hosting musical legends, provided the perfect backdrop for the band’s genre-defying mastery. From the very start, the audience was treated to a kaleidoscope of sounds. The band opened with a mesmerising Jazz-Rock workout and seamlessly transitioned into iconic tracks from the “New Boots and Panties” opus, including the timeless Wake Up and Make Love with Me and the entrancing Partial to Your Abracadabra. Each note and lyric carried the band’s unique stamp, drawing the audience into a rich tapestry of sound.

As the evening progressed, the band delivered a brilliant Rocky-Funk rendition of Itinerant Child from the “Mr. Love Pants” album, and a special mention must go to Sex and Drugs and Rock and Roll. This rendition was arguably the best ever, especially when it seamlessly burst into I Want to Be Straight from the “Laughter” album. The lyrics, so poignant and relevant to today’s turbulent politics, underscored Ian Dury’s timeless foresight.

Towards the end of the set, Hit Me with Your Rhythm Stick was magnificent. This list song provided immense entertainment, particularly with the elongated bass solo from John Mingus, who has also collaborated with Bad Manners and The Selector. Dave Lewis’s astounding feat of playing two saxophones at once was a jaw-dropping spectacle, both audibly and visually. It’s a wonder that this performance isn’t re-released today, as it feels just as fresh and vibrant. The same can be said for Reasons to Be Cheerful, truly a prototype for today’s fast-paced, hip-hop-influenced generation.

Last but not least, when the band burst into the new wave classic Blockheads, the antiquated audience performed the classic dance, the pogo, with great gusto and affection. If that wasn’t enough, the performance then metamorphosed into the country-reggae tune Lullaby of Francis from “Do It Yourself,” marvellous with its dub influences and catchy refrain. Finally, John Turnbull burst into a Trojan Records medley, ending the evening with a splendid, sizzling, and scintillating effect, truly a visual and audio treat to behold.

A special squirt must go out to the tub-thumping rhythms provided by drummer John Roberts for his at times tribal, yet funky drum style provided the anchor that made everyone shine. In sum, The Blockheads once again demonstrated their unparalleled ability to defy genre and time, leaving fans exhilarated and eagerly awaiting their next performance.

The post The Blockheads – Live In Cardiff appeared first on ThePunkSite.com.