The Next Big Thing

The Dirtbombs @ The Dirty Water Club on Friday 24 September

Though sniffing and scratching away like mad, the Mutts struggled to connect with a near-capacity crowd at the DWC last Friday. Somebody should tell these guys that the lack of a catchy riff will never compensate for any amount of Pop/Tyner schtick. Thank God the Little Killers brought along hooks-a-plenty lots and wrapped them in a punk rock'n'rolling style not disimilar to the Real Kids. A reliable if not exactly virtuoso rhythm section provided the right foundation for the guitarist/vocalist to let it rip. How refreshing to see a band that can take Nuggets like "Come On Up" (Rascals) or "No Reason To Complain" (Alarm Clocks) and then put their own on stamp on 'em. The second appearance by the Dirtbombs at the DWC was somewhat affected by Mick Collins' worn voice and at times slightly out of tune guitar. Perhaps this was why he was buried so deeply in the mix? Nevertheless, "Kung Fu" and "If You See Stevie Wonder" were well executed and went down fine with the punters. The great thing about the Dirtbombs, apart from Mick's 100% committment, is just how tight the two drummers and two bass players mesh together. Anything less and the sound would descend into aural mush. The Dirtbombs - like hearing the Glitter Band play the blues.