28 April 2010 (gig)
04 May 2010
The WitchDoktors are a band from south-London, and what a band! With a musical style best described as ‘punkabilly’ – the energetic four returned for a truly spectacular rock n’ roll show at the Underbelly in Hoxton – with support from The Crushers, Outakes, The Spyders and the evening’s main attraction – Ed Tudor Pole aka Tenpole Tudor (reviewed separately).
Opening their set with the upbeat ‘Movie Star’ from their current album $3 Hooker, Witches Tony Major on guitar, Zig-C on bass and main vocalist/guitarist Planet Andy demonstrated what a brilliant live-act they are – while drummer Pinball Billy frenzied away on his kit. They might want to live like a movie star (as the song’s lyrics go); however, on that occasion the Underbelly crowd gave them a warm rock n’ roll welcome instead.
Next number was the fast and furious ‘Dr. John’ from their Brain Machine double-album, while the track ‘Knock Me Back’ proved that The WitchDoktors perfectly understand the art of knocking back an audience with their raw energy and fun stage antics. Never too shy to mingle with their loyal fans, the band did just that – by briefly leaving the stage and trespassing into audience territory, working their instruments while strutting about the venue and climbing up on amplifiers. You get the idea!
At that point, the crowd was in party mood and the Witches rewarded their enthusiasm with a brand new song, the excellent ‘No Pain No Gain’! Other numbers included ‘Knucklebones’ - and from the album Robots, Rayguns, Rock n Roll the band delivered ‘Mr. Satan’, a hellish hot tune that would make a perfect soundtrack for a hellish hot-rod movie!
The final tracks were ‘Big Black Sack’ and the slightly Tarantinoesque ‘Common Prayer’. The overall rockin’ mood provided the perfect platform for the next act, Ed Tudor-Pole.
The WitchDoktors are a band with some kick-ass albums under their belt, but they are also definitely a band that ought be experienced live in a venue near you! Find out more about upcoming tour dates and other witchy mayhem by checking their website:
www.witchdoktors.com
