The Bonnevilles
Menagerie, Belfast
2nd November 2013
The Bonnevilles’ sound is as sharp as their freshly-shaved faces and as tight as the knots in their skinny ties. They play straightforward rock and roll with all the rawness of American garage. Guitar player and singer Andrew McGibbon sings with passion and bluesy swagger, channelling roots singers of old. A solid head bop and/or foot tap is difficult to avoid by the appreciative crowd and for those who fancy it, plenty of opportunity to sing along and dance, whatever way you choose.
Well-rehearsed, The Bonnevilles play triumphantly, despite McGibbon berating his one and only bandmate for being slightly the worse for wear. Drummer Chris McMullan,out of sight from much of the crowd because of the stage set up, hammers on regardless while McGibbon gets off the stage and sings from the dancefloor.
It is very easy for two-piece bands to grow stagnant with their sound, but judging by the far-from-bored crowd, there is hope tonight that The Bonnevilles won’t suffer that fate.
Emily Molloy
