Debut release ‘Odludek’ is apparently Polish for loner or pilgrim which Goodwin felt suited the new project and chapter in his career. The album itself is an eclectic mix of mid-paced indie-rock (a la Doves) with elements of country, electronica, keyboard led Elbow offcuts and an unwelcome splash of early 90’s Euro-dance (a nod to those days in Sub Sub). From the start, comfortable as ever in front of the crowd, he raises his pint saluting all corners and balconies aboard the Thekla and kicks off with dramatic key-stabs of ‘Terracotta Warrior.’ Unshackled and on a voyage of discovery, lyrically the track is indicative of the rest of the album as Goodwin bellows out “I know who you are but who am I?” There’s something a little more daring about his solo work, more Ian Brown than Morrissey in terms of first efforts and its all the better for it. ‘Oh Whiskey’ is an understated yet still anthemic cut of country acoustic-rock quality, midway through it ascends a level and somehow has everyone dancing. Doves rouser ‘Snowden’ maintains the momentum and reminds us of the real power of Goodwin’s range and how good the band really were at their peak. “It’s time for a gameshow!” he jests when the bewildering muzak of ‘Man v Dingo’ begins to his own obvious embarrassment as he makes the sign of a cross, I don’t think this one will be on the next tour.
The growling singer appears slightly irked when there’s no attempt to echo lyrics back on ‘Panic Tree,’ most likely forgetting that the album’s has been out little over a month and its far from the most memorable on there. The pick of the rest of the new stuff is ‘Lonely At The Drop’, balls-out rock that ends up jamming like ‘Come On’ by The Verve with searing stratospheric guitar. Doves tracks ‘Last Broadcast’ and ‘Sulphur Man’ go down well, the former sounding funky as ever, the latter utterly enthralling with its brooding verses and big chorus making it a trademark melancholic triumph. Returning for an encore he seems a little short of ideas and tunes left to play. The crowd are baying for Doves songs and hailing him with all manner of album-track suggestions, this must have happened at earlier gigs on the tour but it doesn’t sit well with the burly singer. The aforementioned mini-meltdown threatens to turn the atmosphere before an amusing suggestion to begin the gig again appears to be the compromise. So off we go again with a second run-through of ‘Terracotta Warrior.’ Half the audience heads for the exit. Those who stay get a fairly uneventful ‘Northenden’ to finish, a bit of an anti-climax to what was an entertaining first solo foray to Bristol and a genuine expectation that there’s better still to come.
Best Track: Click on link below
Jimi Goodwin - 'Oh! Whiskey'
Kindly published by Bristol 24-7
http://www.bristol247.com/2014/05/23/review-jimi-goodwin-at-thekla-bristol-77523/
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