Never having previously heard of Holy Moly and The Crackers or any of their music, the only knowledge I had of the band is that they are a ‘gypsy folk group’ and incorporate a wide range of musical instruments. Fearing such variation would clash too much with the other instruments and thus handicap the performance, I had very low expectations for the band. However, my expectations were exceeded by the incredible stage presence of the band members as soon as their show began.
“The joint efforts and passion delivered by the band were rewarded by a very energetic and engaging crowd”
They opened with their explosive, dynamic song ‘Sugar’ from their album Salem. Contrary to my pre-supposed beliefs, each member fed off each other’s music and allowed for each other to excel, allowing each performance to be even better than the last. The members seemed to be largely enjoying themselves which was also mirrored by the audience; the joint efforts and passion delivered by the band were rewarded by a very energetic and engaging crowd. The crowd engagement was particularly salient during the bands’ performance of the song ‘Mary’, where the audiennce swallowed the band with their outburst of the song lyrics.
“The guitar solo of their new song, ‘Sister’ was particularly fantastic”
What particularly struck me as amazing is the incorporation of the squeezebox into their music and more so, how well the squeezebox complimented the other instruments. It seems no instrument is out of bounds for this band. It’s safe to say this wide variation of instruments, particularly the squeezebox, the trumpet and the violin, have shown to be revolutionary for the alternative, indie rock scene. Despite the overwhelming success of the unique instruments, the bass was in no way underwhelmed and the bassists didn’t disappoint. The guitar solo of their new song, ‘Sister’ was particularly fantastic and stimulated a wild uproar of cheer from the audience. The band performed a few songs from their new, unreleased album, all of which excited the audience.
The incredible stage presence of the band was largely assisted by the light work of Guy Elderfield. The colourful lights accompanied the music brilliantly, and elicited the mood and atmosphere of the band, allowing for as well as an incredible sound performance (provided by the band), an incredible, visually satisfying performance too.
“The cultivated a very light-hearted and family atmosphere in the venue”
As well as the energetic vibe, the band also didn’t fail to show an alternative side of their music when the two vocalists performed a duet of a sweet love ballad. Both their vocals, though they ranged very differently, harmonised very beautifully with each other’s and neither were undermined. The atmosphere was very laid back and people of all ages united to bop their heads to upbeat, joyful music. The cultivated a very light-hearted and family atmosphere in the venue.
Holy Moly and the Crackers encapsulate all the qualities that the current music industry is currently starved from: instrumental ability, individuality, incredible passion and drive. No wonder the tickets sold out so quickly. I will make sure to be keeping an eye out for their new album. Rock on!
9/10
Laila Abbass
Featured Image courtesy of Laila Abbass.
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