Graham Clark
Music Features Writer
9:17 AM 27th October 2024
arts
Review
Mamas Gun: Winning Ways In Manchester
Mamas Gun
Photo: Graham Clark
Mamas Gun, named after the second album by Neo soul artist Erykah Badu, frequently draws inspiration from the soul groups of the early seventies, including The Isley Brothers, The Stylistics, and Bill Withers, through a blend of harmonies, strong melodies, and sublime soul music.
Formed in 2007, the British group continues to be successful, especially in Japan. That they are playing in Manchester at the smaller Academy 3, while a tribute band downstairs in Academy 2 played to a larger audience seemed rather unjust given that Mamas Gun are indeed the real McCoy.
From the soulful vocals of Andy Platts to the guitar dynamics of Terry Lewis and accomplished keyboardist Dave Oliver backed with Chris Boot on drums and Cameron Dawson on bass, this was a night of excellent musicianship, which begged the question: Why is the band not a household name? A guest spot on the Jools Holland show, where the band would find a natural home, remains in their destiny.
For a band to start their set with a new number showed confidence—
The Hardest Yards proved that they still can write in a timeless way, which was further showcased in another new song,
Food for the Flames.
All that was missing from
Reconsider and
When You Stole the Sun from the Sky was the syncopated dance movements associated with the aforementioned seventies soul acts, though when the music was as good as this we can forgive them.
At times, Platt's vocals were reminiscent of Marvin Gaye, especially on the song
We and
Let’s Find a Way.
As the band ended on a high with
This is the Day, this had been a night to remember from one of the most underrated bands in the country, whose name should be on the lips of every mama who appreciates ageless and quality music.