10 December 2011 (gig)
19 December 2011
“The truth ain’t pretty, feeling high and shitty” go the lyrics to one of Steve Conte’s songs. The truth is, you will always feel high but never shitty during a SC gig!
It was no different Saturday week ago when ass-kicking Conte lured folks to Nambucca on the Holloway Road, like the pied piper of Hamelin, albeit with guitar sounds as opposed to flute. Now, I’ve seen this venue half empty (or half full…) on several occasions, but on this occasion it was full. Proof that the former New York Dolls axe-slinger (now working those riffs for the Michael Monroe Band) oozes enough talent and charisma to get his many fans flocking to a place that’s more of a local haunt.
Once again backed by his Dutch muzikanten Yozz (on bass) and Youren (on drums), the show began at the relatively late time of 10pm – a refreshing change from more puritan start times in other venues (like the O2 Academy Islington). Steve, sporting his trademark black punky hair, earrings, denims and leather jacket, said “hi” and made sure everyone had a drink.
Barely finished with the percussion-led ‘The Truth Ain’t Pretty’, Conte and Co. continued with ‘Grow Up’ and ‘The Goods Are Odd’, the latter featuring a rough-edged guitar solo that got the old adrenalin rushing to the max.
The Cochran classic ‘Summertime Blues’ received a make-over as you would expect from a guy who handles his instruments like it were an extension of his hands – speedy and delivered with vigour and skill. The crowd shouted along to the catchy chorus after Steve encouraged them several times.
He then announced that a new album is in the make and ready by spring, and joked that it’s gonna contain songs that sound like Dylan but in 38 different versions… For now though, the repertoire consisted mainly of tracks from his excellent ‘Steve Conte & The Crazy Truth’ album.
Things got real hot with the terrific ‘Texas T’ – a song laced with attitude and raw guitar spiel and complimented by a voice that hit every note to a tee. For this number, Mr. Conte swapped his white guitar for a red one and freed himself from the constraints of his tight leather jacket.
Having introduced the crowd to ‘Her Highness’ he went on to perform one of my faves, the dark, sleazy and blues-hued ‘Busload Of Hope’ – a killer track perfect for showcasing the versatility of this unique artist, but also a number that reveals where his real passion lies (musically speaking). One of the most oddly titled love songs ever, namely ‘Strumped-hearted Monkey Girl’, particularly delighted a young female fan in the front row who seemed to know every single line to every Conte song that was played. That’s what I call a devoted fan!
After telling ‘White Lies’, Steve introduced his two-men band and then invited the audience to climb into his ‘Gypsy Cab’, a pure rock n roll ride at its best! Steve even briefly climbed out to briefly descend into the crowd for another screeching guitar solo. On the way back, he caressed an amp in pure S&M style with the instrument’s strings.
‘Junk Planet’ proved to be another musical orgy, with both Yozz and Youren having great fun working their instruments till sweat began to drip. The trio’s frontman (back on white guitar) went on to play the Diddley/NY Dolls hit ‘Pills’, during which the aforementioned female fan cheekily handed him a packet of tabs. “That’s empty!” grinned Steve and threw the packet back at her, pulling a mock-disappointed grimace. Last number of the evening was the Elton Motello classic ‘Jet Boy / Jet Girl’, which Steve delivered with verve, spunk and some head-kicking altered lyrics.
Attending a Steve Conte gig is like a ride in the eye of a weather system that’s always verging on stormy. Here is one of the most talented musicians around, yet he’s still not gracing the long list of fellow peers who have played legendary venues like the 100 Club. You good people at Symptomatic PR, please take note. Thank you kindly.
