one4review | On 30, Sep 2024

Nick the Knife, still sharp and The Convincer we all need.

The phrase Renaissance Man seems to be invented for Nick Lowe.
A respected figure in the music industry since the 70s, his influence on rock and pop is widespread, with his work as a solo artist, producer extraordinaire, and as a band member of Brinsley Schwartz, Rockpile and Little Village.
Noted for his wit and song craftsmanship, his songs have been covered by many of his peers, famously by Johnny Cash and Elvis Costello who made them their own.
Lindsay Buckingham, Robert Plant and the late Tom Petty have also noted their admiration.

Tonight, as an almost apocalyptic amount of rain hits this Sunderland evening, the wet and the brave gather at The Fire House, which is possibly the best purpose-built music venue in the North East.
Lowe also has competition. The musical Wicked is playing a stones throw away from the venue. No fears, his event is sold out with devoted fans from different periods of his career(s) in attendance. Also, he’s just released his first new album in almost 10-year, Indoor Safari, which is getting rave reviews.

Lowe enters stage right with his band, Los Straitjackets, who are in full-Mexican wrestling masks. Lowe’s resplendent in a light gray-spotted shirt and slacks. With his thick black-rimmed glasses, an even thicker head of white hair and sparking smile he beams like a lighthouse. He looks great, healthy, and more importantly genuinely glad to be here.

The evening starts with one of his early 70s solo hits, And So It Goes. While slightly off the powerhouse pace of the original the band get the groove. No time to pause, straight into new song I Went to a Party, which has a lovely rockabilly/Hawaiian feel.

“Good Evening Sunderland”, created with cheers. He explains the format that his songs are short and there won’t be much chat and glad that we’ve chosen him over other “artistic” options. No green makeup or broomsticks required, The Wizard of Lowe has this crowd in the palm of his hand.

Fan favorites Without Love, Lately I Let Things Slide and I Live On A Battlefield vocally are strong and remind us of his lyrical brilliance and why he’s up there with The Kinks and more recently Damon Albarn.
New songs Love Starvation and Tokyo Bay follow, there is a lovely Dwayne Eddie/Shadows vibe running through them and Lowe is really moving and grooving with his acoustic guitar.

Lowe briefly leave the stage and Los Straitjackets have their moment with a melody of surfing styled songs, as if possessed by the spirit of Dick Dale. They really are a great well oiled machine.

On Lowe’s return (and shirt change) we are treated to a new song Trombone, He then goes into the past with House For Sale, Raging Eyes, and Somebody Cares For Me. These songs vocally are the strongest of the night. He doesn’t use monitors with lyrics or clever mixing to hide any limitations. No idea what deal he made with the devil but it’s worth every penny. The control and sensitivity in his voice put his peers currently on the touring circuit to shame.
Add to that, new song Blue On Blue is beautiful (strangely reminiscent of the Semisonic song DND from 20-year back) and a real highlight.

Now it’s back to the hits, Cruel To Be Kind, Half A Boy, his version (well it’s his song) of What’s So Funny (about Peace, Love, and Understanding) before leaving the stage rocking with I Knew The Bride.

A surprise encore of Rockpile’s When I Write The Book is stunning, which he encourages the crowd to sing. He says jokingly “It’s easy, even Dave Edmunds could do it”.

So, is this the resurrection of the Jesus Of Cool, putting him back into the highest cultural zeitgeist again?
I think Nick would hate that. However, the frightening thing is I feel he’s just getting started in this phase and all power to him, who knows where this could lead.

*****
Reviewed by Steve H

Nick Lowe & Los Straightjackets
Sunderland Fire Station
26th Sept 2024