BROKEN WITT REBELS + BAD TOUCH | LIVE REVIEW
The Globe, Cardiff, Sun 2 Apr
Spring sunshine warming the pavement, but not as hot as the Globe, scorching from two sets of rock’n’roll by Broken Witt Rebels [below] and Bad Touch [left]. Touring the UK on the 2017 Planet Rock Roadstars show, first up were Birmingham’s Broken Witt Rebels. Many bands would leave a crowdpleasing signature number like BWR’s Low, from their acclaimed EP Georgia Pines, until late on, but not these guys – it’s their opening song.
The crowd are jumping with delight; they want more and more of Danny Core’s blazing vocals. A creative, freeform delight of classic rock infused with soul and southern riffs, the beating, pulsing heart of the Rebels is frontman Core. He makes every song distinctive, the phrasing shaping the lyrics, while the band behind him provide a trampoline that bounces with musicianship, attitude and flair. Turn Me On, a new song, is a worthy addition to a catalogue with depth; Guns closes out a sparkling set before an encore of Shake Me Down.
Bad Touch’s task, then, is following on the dynamic Broken Witt Rebels to ensure the audience’s energy didn’t wane. This was achieved through a showcase of latest album Truth Be Told, and the onstage combo of vocalist and tambourine man Stevie Westwood, and the guitar work of newest member Harry Slater. Set highlights were Sweet Little Secret, from the debut Bad Touch album, and Half Way Home. Bad Touch have a sound that connects: heavy, hard and full of licks and earworm vocal refrains. During the softer Outlaw, Stevie whirls his tambourine high, but it’s his vocals which gain your attention: compelling on Words I Never Say, but changing tone for the radio-friendly 99%. Closing with The Mountain, we’re left with Harry’s guitar fireworks and Stevie’s gritty vocals ringing in our ears.
words and photos LIZ AIKEN