The Outcast Band provide an interesting venue for new tracks and old favourites, but after the show, the audience may have been more memorable.
Climbing into a small boat on the Thames to see catch a folk band’s album launch party, you don’t expect to be battling for space at the front with a highly excitable hippy-mosher. As a night of unusual quirks, there were two atmostpheres. One was spilling over with anticipation and excitement. The other was one of unknowing. Firstly of what the night will bring. Secondly, of who the hell this band are that harldy anybody seems to have heard of.
Celebrating the release of their third album, The Outcast Band were supported by Richard James - a singer-songwriter notably inspired by Dandy Warhols and Beck - not in fact one half of Aphex Twin as few attendees wrongly hoped. Although the set consisted of inoffensive sing-a-long folk-pop tracks, the crowd were more excited about reaching the bar than the stage.
Docked on Albert Embankment, Vauxhall, the anticipating crowd began to tuck themselves in tightly as they awaited their musically-underground treasure. A mix of fans, special guests and the band’s family members filled the creaking venue to hear songs, new and old. Following on from their bubbly opening track, The Devil’s Road, the audience were treated to their first snippet of the new album - produced by Phil Tennant (Waterboys, Levellers) - with an animated recital of To The End. Fiddler Paul Godfrey played a key role, leaping excitedly to and fro in front of the intensely close spectators. Unfortunately, most of this too-ing and fro-ing was conducted shyly with his back to the audience.
The punk-folk rockers proved that they aren’t shy of experimenting with unusual instruments. Vocalist Damien Kay brought out his megaphone during an energetic performance of Garden Song, despite the audience stepped away from his direction to avoid the spit path. Guitarist Tom Price introduced to us his electric mandolin for a dazzling rendition of ballad, Be Someone. As a highlight, it would have been a raise your lighter in the air moment, if it weren’t for the wooden boat. Finally, a song that our hippy-mosher friend couldn’t hop around to? No, afraid not. The crowd joined him in lively dance, before he smashed his flailing arm into a waitress running in front of the congrgation. The result? A spilt plate of chips and burger in front of the stage. It became mashed potato by the end of the track.
New track Don’t Go Home was welcomed with a power cut (were the trying to hint something?). Not so much a hindrance though, Kay entertained us with witty dialogue whilst other members of the band wondered about stage as humorously-confused as the audience. It was only a minute until the tune returned with a punk-ho down for a middle eight.
Ending the set with Shelter Me and upbeat new track Longest Mile, the performance couldn’t help but conclude with a desperate thankfulness.
The Outcast Band are benefiting from a folk revival. Having reached public awareness (just about) in 1991, they were ahead the trend. It seems however, that the trend may be continuing to evolve without them. The Outcast Band promise little hope for mainstream success and arena tours. But as far as folk-punk ho-downs on boats go, they’re unbeatable.
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