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THE DUNWELLS The Bowery, London 18 April 2012

The Dunwells were playing their first gig back in the UK after a successful US tour, including the prestigious South By South West festival. The Bowery is a new name hiding an old venue, as this used to be the Barfly 2. It is small but great sound especially for a band like The Dunwells who have a big reliance on harmonies in their music.

Support came from a female singer Ilona who had a few acoustic type numbers and a couple of rocking tunes that reminded me of Kelly Clarkson. I must admit I enjoyed the rockier tunes as Ilona seemed to enjoy these more and put a bit more passion into her vocals. An enjoyable set and a name to keep an eye on.

Now The Dunwells cover so many musical bases it is scary. One minute it can be all CSN harmony led folk like tunes and the next minute they are into Crowded House territory. Add to that a little country rock, blues playing, damn fine pop tunes and three lead vocalists, what's not to like?

Highlights include the band's debut single 'I Could Be A King' from their recently released debut album 'Blind Sighted Faith', where the banjo was whipped out for some 'rock banjo' and the atmospheric 'Hey Lord', which sounded even better live than on record. We even had a couple of new tunes and 'Spin Don't Win' is one of their heaviest tunes to date. The band joked it would be on the new 'Spiderman' movie soundtrack.

They only do one cover, 'Hide And Seek' by Imogen Heap, where the band cleverly interweave their various vocal styles. Never heard the original but it will have to go some way to beat The Dunwells' version. The UK album bonus song 'Borrow Me', a real rousing tune, rounded the set off in fine style.

The Dunwells I am sure will become a big name and deservedly so. Get yourself down to their next gigs so you can say 'I was there' before they become a household name.

Review by Jason Ritchie

Album review