The Bobby Lees + Fitzroy Holt @ Hare & Hounds, 29th June 2022
On a warm Wednesday night in Kings Heath, it was down to Fitzroy Holt and his 5-piece band to open the show for The Bobby Lees. He met an already sizeable audience at Hare & Hounds. Having become a well-known name on the local music scene, his smooth and soulful vocals were well received by an audience that had perhaps come looking for something a bit more abrasive
for the evening. But, surprisingly more upbeat and rock led in comparison to his recorded material, it was a fantastic start to the show.
Coming from Woodstock New York, The Bobby Lees are a four-piece garage rock band who are currently on their debut UK tour in support of their recently released Hollywood Junkyard EP. Without any fanfare the band blasted their way through a 45-minute set spanning their two full length records as well as the aforementioned EP, with their short songs allowing them to pack a whole lot in.
The most astounding aspect of the band’s performance was how tight and competent the band were in terms of musical ability, driven by the fantastic Macky Bowman on drums who was a total powerhouse for the entirety of the band’s performance. This contradicted the ramshackle and on the edge nature of the band’s style of music, however the two moulded together perfectly.
Tracks such as Be My Enemy, Drive and Riddle Daddy got the crowd moving and you could visibly see the band’s gleefulness at having such a reception on their first trip so far from home. I’m sure it won’t be their last.
The Bobby Lees return from Ireland for more UK dates from 6th July, visiting Newcastle, Leeds on 7th July, London on 8th July and finally Brighton on Saturday 9th July.
Review: Dan Earl
Photographs: Ian Dunn
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