Molotov Jukebox + Huw Eddy & The Carnival
With an Autumn sunset putting on a mid-week show as I drop down into the city, it seems as if tonight's dose of exotic tropical music was just what the doctor might have ordered – a double tonic with which to prepare a goodbye to the summer, and to pretend that dark nights and hot water bottles aren't already lurking around the corner.
I missed Molotov Jukebox's last visit, two years ago, to The Waterfront, so this would be my first re-acquaintance with the incendiary six-piece since their appearance in the Adnams Spiegeltent during 2014's Norfolk & Norwich Festival.
First up, Huw Eddy & The Carnival, a five piece collected from each corner of the British Isles but now based in Leeds. Their fusion of folk, indie and blues certainly lit the party fuse in Open's Club Room, with a sound that seemed to incorporate elements of two Norwich favourites – The Thinking Men and The Vagaband. Alternatively, try to imagine The Levellers scrubbed up and popped into summery shirts for the evening. Vocally, front man Huw sounds a bit James Arthur, and melodically there are occasional throwbacks to Cracklin' Rose era Neil Diamond. They would definitely make it onto my shortlist should I ever found myself curating a carnival.
With the audience warmed up, there was a huge welcome for Molotov Jukebox as they hit the stage and kicked straight into the upbeat and energetic I Need It. Vocalist, founding member and accordian player Natalia Tena is an infectious and charismatic focal point for the band, with a presence that exudes sultry tropicality. Only later did I learn that she is also an accomplished actress, having first appeared as Marcus' rebellious love interest, Ellie, in About A Boy, and later playing Nymphadora Tonks in the Harry Potter franchise and Osha in Game of Thrones.
Centre stage is shared with violinist Sam Apley, and it is this pair that make most of the between-song introductions to the audience, but that is not to understate the contribution from the rest of the band. Trumpet, bass, guitar and drums combine effortlessly in a whirl of Balkan and Latin rhythm, giving Molotov Jukebox the energy and tightness that characterises their live sound.
This is the opening night of the band's 10th anniversary tour and, as on many first nights, there is the occasional hiccough. Natalia's dress threatens to come undone at one point, prompting an appeal for anyone with a safety pin to come forward, and a sound engineer saves the day when a radio transmitter needs replacing, but these minor blips are brushed aside in a tsunami of musical passion as Molotov storm their way through a twenty-song set containing all the audience favourites and more. Prizes are given out for the most enthusiastic dancing, and also to one audience member who is attending her second Molotov gig in one pregnancy. The evening steadily and progressively builds towards its sweaty climax with Double Dare, Pineapple Girl and Trying.
The encore commences with Neon Lights, which the band dedicate to Norwich – the city that Natalia describes as having a canal (it's actually a river, Natalia, but we forgive you) lined by buildings with 'shonky sexy rooflines' ('shonky sexy' is obviously the new 'shabby chic') and concludes with a stirring and passionate rendition of Gypsy Funeral.
One of the most enjoyable gigs of the year, from one of the most colourful acts around, made even better by such an appreciative and energetic audience.
