Jim Jones Revue // Norwich Arts Centre - 24.03.10
The Son of Cash supported the sold out Jim Jones Revue gig. The Son of Cash are a Johnny Cash Tribute Band, covering all of Johnny Cash’s hits and they played each song very convincingly, which really got you tapping your foot.
My favourite Cash songs, The 'Ring of Fire' and 'Folsom Prison Blues' were played very well. The Son of Cash were a good support to The Jim Jones Revue and had a very good response with the packed crowd.
People were really waiting for the Jim Jones Revue though; Jim Jones used to be vocalist in Thee Hypnotics, the psychedelic rock band of the late 80s/early 90s who were known for their great live shows. Jim Jones Revue and his London-based band are described as a mix of Little Richard, Jerry Lee Lewis - particularly in Elliott Mortimer's strident rolling piano playing, MC5, Stooges and the early Rolling stones also in this toxic mix of sound. There live performances are extremely LOUD and this music sounds all the better for it. It’s a distorted, fuzzy, psych rock sound with pounding piano that make your ears burn.
The opening songs 'Dishonest John', 'RN Psycho' and 'Another Dare' has so much energy given from every member of the band really makes you want to go wild. Jim Jones can not stand still, swinging his Red Gibson Guitar around.
Jim Jones screaming vocals with a sheer energy like Screaming Jay Hawkins while striking Mike Jagger prancing poses making the songs and the performance so exciting is what this band is all about. 'Burning Yar House Down' was the real showstopper, with its twin guitar attack and irresistible piano riff. It was all played at a blistering pace, with a frightening amount of energy and an ear busting volume. Unfortunately the decibel level also meant a lot of distortion and Jones' vocals were drowned in sound. 'Cement Mixer' relentlessly is good time music and is absolutely fantastic to dance and jump around to, which the audience did.
All the bands' members are all sharply dressed and definitely look good as they belt out the songs. Rupert Orton (Beth Orton’s brother), the lead guitarist used to live in Norfolk and it felt a lot of his old friends were here to support him which gave the night a really good feel. Jim Jones didn't talk much but made up that for just pure entertainment in his performances. '512' was the last song of the set but then four great encore songs 'Fish 2 Fry', 'Shoot First', 'Hunk of Love' and last up 'Princess'.
This is the second time I have seen Jim Jones Revue play and they are absolutely essential live band to see. Old fashioned Rock'n'Roll which is all sweat and Brylcreem, played with the testosterone-fuelled aggression of punk, loud, raw and very gritty and can't wait to see them again soon.
Andi Sapey
