Dan Andriano - Live Music Review in Bristol
Posted on: 2015-11-11
Our rating:
From the first chord this man?s class is evident. It?s like he was built for this venue and came especially to play for you. The entire set is a triumph in every possible way.
I’m happy to tell you from the outset that Alkaline Trio are one of my favourite bands. That said, the very thing that propelled them to stardom has also doomed them to a life of being labeled ‘pop-punk’ by those too lazy to put any more thought in to it. The singles Stupid Kind and Private Eye were huge hits and rode the coattails of the success generated by many 3-chord-wonders of the era. They had their place, and I’m a fan of many, but to label Alkaline Trio, and thus the creative minds of Matt Skiba, Dan Andriano and Derek Grant as MTV-worthy cannon-fodder is disingenuous at best and downright offensive at worst.
Proof, if it were needed, of Dan Andriano’s songwriting and musicianship comes in the form of his ‘solo’ shows. Playing under the moniker ‘Dan Andriano in the Emergency Room’, and with a full band sharing the stage with him, this really is very much about Dan himself and that’s no bad thing. For reference, that band is made up of Sam Russo, who plays the second opening slot tonight, and members of Bangers. Playing tracks from his solo debut Hurricane Season (2011) alongside material from his newest release Party Adjacent, released in July this year, Dan Andriano can seemingly do no wrong in the eyes of the guests in attendance. He might have toured the world and sold out shows to tens of thousands with Alkaline Trio, but at The Exchange - a venue that can just about squeeze in 500 - he looks right at home.
The show was opened by the excellent BRO. Jules on guitar and vocals effortlessly delivers his lines in measured fashion, while Garth (I wish I was called Garth) plays the drums in a style eerily reminiscent of Dave Grohl. Playing with just a guitar and drums, no bass or other accompaniment, is far from a gimmick for these guys – they generate a huge sound between the two of them and are easily one of the best opening acts I’ve seen in a long while. I’ll certainly be keeping up with them from now on and so should you - Check them out over at their website: soundslikebro.com
Next up is Sam Russo. Hailing from Haverill in Suffolk, he sits somewhere between English folk and American punk, with a dash of Americana thrown in for good measure. The best way I can describe him is he is what Dave Hause would sound like if he were from England. Definitely leaning more towards the true punk end of that folk-punk spectrum I mentioned, he holds the stage well and delivers a set that demands your attention. Western Union, from new album Greyhound Dreams is perhaps the highlight, but to single out just one song would be unfair. Next time he’s in your town you MUST go and see him - Check out his website at samrusso.tumblr.com
By the time Dan Andriano hits the stage the crowd are already in perfect form thanks to those two opening acts. This is just the 5th show the band has played together with this lineup but you would never know. From the first chord this man’s class is evident, it’s like he was built for this venue and came especially to play for you. The entire set is a triumph so picking out highlights is tough – ‘Of Peace, Quiet and Monsters’, ‘It’s Gonna Rain All Day’ and closing song ‘From This Oil Can’ are perhaps the offerings that go down best with the audience. He plays so effortlessly it’s like he could do this in his sleep. Song after song is delivered perfectly and with a level of emotion that might be matched by some, but I’ve certainly never seen it beaten. His voice – so instantly recognisable – flits between mournfully soft and raucously loud as he delivers his beautifully crafted lyrics. Often emotional, though never depressing, the songs are stories in themselves and you journey with him as he tells his tales.
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Dan Andriano live at The Exchange, Bristol
Dan Andriano might have played the world’s largest festivals, sold out headline world tours time and again, but this evening I got to witness a man stand on a stage in front of around 400 people and perform a show that I genuinely have no idea how he would be able improve. Like I said, it’s like he was built for venues like this. A man, on a stage, singing his heart out. Pretty simple recipe but one so hard to perfect. This was triumphant performance in every possible way.
All the further info you need on Dan is available at his website: www.danandrianointheemergencyroom.com. His current UK tour runs until Monday 16 November.
5/5
Reviewed by James Anderson for 365 Bristol - The leading events and entertainment website for Bristol
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Born and raised in the suburbs of Swansea, Jimmy moved to Bristol back in 2004 to attend university. Passionate about live music, sport, science and nature, he can usually be found walking his cocker spaniel Baxter at any number of green spots around the city. Call James on 078 9999 3534 or email Editor@365Bristol.com.
