Signed to Stoned Records, the label created by fellow Devon-bred
Joss Stone, has worked out well for the band and a more than decent duet with
the marmite singer on their debut has helped them reach into a wider mainstream
audience. Since then they’ve played Glastonbury , performed sessions on Radio One and toured Europe honing their versatile craft. Tonight they kick off with the bouncy ‘Buy It
Up’ –an amusing attack on over the counter culture “you got no personality so
you get your tits out on TV, but those things are like Zepellins ready to
explode in the jet stream.” Moving on
and the new bluesy stuff comes to the fore with the quiet cowboy lilt of ‘Feel
The Love’ and Sellors gravelly vocals just about win over the noisy chatter
from those just here to skank.
The shift from ska to blues doesn’t seem to have lost them too
much of their appeal though and any hint of a mid-set lull is quickly dispelled
with a near-perfect version of Pulp Fiction soundtrack classic ‘Misirlou’ which
brings the house down with Sellors fingers working over-time and First’s
blazing trumpet leaving everyone beaming.
“Not Guilty” holds within it a lyrical reference to the bands name and
with a political overtone shows that its not just about meshing together
whatever they can find in the music cupboard.
The horns take centre stage on the reggae-tinged track which somehow
moves from a rasping Cuban trumpet solo to a throbbing RHCP funk/rock salvo.
“Is everyone up for something really filthy?” cries Sellors
as the band lurch into standout track ‘Dirty Grave’ with signature mischievous
horns and what sounds like the thumping bassline borrowed from ‘Eye Of The
Tiger.’ This is the band at their best
whipping up bluesy grooves that get the crowd moving amid Sellors’
whiskey-ravaged, menacing deep-south vocal; filthy indeed. A few skanks later and we’re nearing the end
as drummer Reuben heads around the back of the bar, clearly shattered, only to
be hauled back for a curfew smashing second encore which sees a cheeky oik
invades the stage to instigate one last venue-wide boogie. And so concludes a thoroughly enjoyable
musical taster menu from one of the cities best who are sure to cement their
reputation this summer as firm festival favourites.
Best track: Click on link below
Yes Sir Boss - 'Dirty Grave'
Buy albums here:
Yes Sir Boss - 'King In A Rocking Chair'
Yes Sir Boss - 'Desperation State'
Kindly published by Bristol 24-7
http://www.bristol247.com/2014/04/09/review-yes-sir-boss-fleece-bristol-62831/