Vicki Galloway-Place goes to see The Dunwells at Bojangles, Pudsey …
I was introduced to this local band maybe a year ago by my hairdresser at the time, a young, trendy girl who has her finger on the pulse when it comes to music. As an attempt at also becoming young and trendy I agreed to go and see the Dunwells at an open mic event.
Although I may not have succeeded in becoming the latter, I did manage to find an amazing band in The Dunwells and have had the pleasure of seeing them several times now at large events but more often at smaller gigs. You see as well as being an amazing band (hugely successful in the States – I mean they performed on the Jay Leno show!) the lads themselves are a down to earth, endearing group. They always come back to their roots and play smaller venues and always come across so thankful for their success. One night they will be running an Open Mic night at the Fox and Grapes in Pudsey or The Station in Guisley… The next night they are flying across the world to embark upon a tour of America.
Thursday evening was one of those little gems of a night, playing a local gig in their home town. I knew this would be good before I even arrived.
Supported by Matt (Dunwell from the City of Lights – Joe and Dave’s brother – Yes this family are insanely talented!) initially we were party to Matt singing some of his bands songs unplugged, just his voice and guitar. To be honest this would be enough for me even without the Dunwells. Matt’s voice is spectacular, gritty and passionate, yet soulful and inviting. City of Lights are the next big thing as far as I am concerned and are proving popular both in the UK and further afield having recently returned from a successful European tour. Even without the backing of his band Matt was strong, and having since listened to their album Season’s Change (I downloaded it from Itunes whilst I was watching Matt perform) I can say as a full band they are epic!
There are two downsides for me when going to see The Dunwells – Both of these are my issues not the bands. Firstly my impatience as the bands swap over or take a break. No you shouldn’t take a break as I want to listen to your songs all night with no interruptions! They are that good, that I’m irritated when they’re not performing – I become anxious waiting for the band to reappear and continue. Of course I know that there is nothing that can be done about this, the problem lies with me!
I get the feeling though that The Dunwells would sing all night if they could! They live and breath music, they live for the band – you see it in their eyes, you hear it in their songs, in the quality of their harmonies. Having seen this band at both smaller and larger venues what I love the most is that no matter how big or small the location the brothers perform with an overwhelming passion and energy. They fill the room with their well penned songs and yet make you feel they are singing to you and you alone.
It would be remiss to compare them to Mumford and Sons or the like as their music and their talent is their own but if you are wondering about their genre I would go down that avenue. Taken from their website they describe themselves as “Striking an exhilarating blend of English rock and American roots music.”
The second ‘downside’ for me is that being a little taller than your average 11 year old, and stood at the back, which is where we stupidly chose to stand, I couldn’t see very much due to the huge crowd that amassed from nowhere as they took to their mics for the first time. I know that seeing music is not a prerequisite but did I mention that The Dunwell brothers aren’t that bad to look at either?
No two songs are the same, every harmony is perfectly pitched. With two band members in America and Matt supporting, you would never know that this wasn’t their permanent set up. You just know without even speaking to them that they have toured the circuits, several times, worked tirelessly for their success, lugged their own gear in and out (and still do) and they are eternally grateful to their fans and followers. As well as being hugely talented they are deeply humble and every so polite, which makes you love them all the more.
The brothers (all three of them) performed songs from The Dunwells most recent album Follow the Road, which along with the City of Lights album I have had on repeat in my car ever since the gig. Particular favourites of mine are: Hand that Feeds, I could be a King and Blind Sighted Faith (taken from their first album). I wish the band continued success and urge you to go and see them if you are a fan of true music. They go back on tour in America until October but I assure you it will be worth the wait!