Event :-

The Twinkle Brothers

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Nucleus Roots

Location : The Concorde 2 ( Brighton )

Date : 08 / 11/ 01

Reviewed by : Bimble

It was the first time that I'd seen the band Nucleus Roots in full. Their sound ranged from straight ahead U.K Roots and Steppers to full on four / four dub stompers. On the latter half of their set they had the most awesome dirty live sub bass sound of ever witnessed. The two singers ( Johnno & Moses ) kept the audience upful and dancing. Thankfully nucleus Roots were allowed enough time to present a full set full of new dubs and old favorite's such as Still Here and Zion.

After Nucleus Roots the thoroughly warmed through audience had a little time to grab refreshments before the Twinkle Brothers riddim section took the stage led by Ralston Grant. After a warm up instrumental Ralston's wife Della Grant was brought on for some sweet and soulful reggae music including Leggo Africa a new vocal cut built on the Rasta Pon Top riddim. Della then left us and Ralston introduced on to the stage his brother Norman Grant. Norman's electric Lionesque presence lifted the crowd on to it's toes for the opening bars of the first riddim which was soon dashed away by NG. Who led the whole band through a beautiful gospel chant advising us not to travel on the devils bus. The band which included the legendary Dub Judah on Bass and Black Steel on lead guitar were led by NG and RG through a potted history of Twinkle material ranging from over the years. Songs often segued into one another and included favorites such as Faith Can Move Mountain, Since I Threw The Comb Away, and Rasta Pon Top. The locked on tightness and enthusiasm of the band was lapped up by the audience who lapped up every riddim thrown at them.

Occasionally the band would begin a seemingly faultless rendition and NG would pull it up. The band would then start over with a renewed feel or vibe much to the delight of the crowd. Whether this was a genuine mistake on the part of the band or some form of advanced stage craft was unfathomable by any one off the stage.

Due to the looming curfew the usual encore rituals were dispensed with. NG instead preferring to pause to thank the audience and asking us if we'd enjoyed ourselves, The Twinkle Brothers, Della Grant and refreshingly remembering to big up nucleus Roots for their earlier set. We were then treated to truly rocking non stop finale which included a cooking on gas version of the classic Never Get Burn followed by a blinding version cut. Closing the show and send loads of us shuttling back to the Twinkle Music stall. Watch out for evidence of this shopping trip in the forthcoming December Playlist.

bimble@freeradicalsounds.com

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