Nizlopi at The Fleece in Bristol

Posted on: 2014-05-07

Our rating:

The Leamington Spa combo of singer/guitarist Luke Concannon and double bass playing/beat-boxing John Parker packed a punch as they played a set that was by turns moving, heartfelt and inspiring, riffing on their trademark, highly distinctive sound.


 

Folk hip-hop band Nizlopi split in 2010 but reunited for a thoroughly impressive gig at the fittingly intimate venue of the Fleece. They might have been apart for a while but they can still certainly entertain and energise the crowd with their infectious songs and toe-tapping rhythms. The enthusiastic fans lapped it up, sang along, shouted out requests, and paid devoted attention as they played a set which mixed old favourites with new material. 

The gig - held as part of this year's Bristol Folk Festival – was kicked off by Wiltshire-based singer-songwriter Leander Morales. Whilst he was proficient on the guitar and managed a certain level of engagement with the gathering crowds, his songs weren't strong, interesting or memorable enough to really hold their attention, and his attempts at audience interaction fell somewhat flat with the nevertheless accommodating audience who were really chomping at the bit for the headline act.

 

When they finally emerged onto the stage, Nizlopi were given thundering cheers and applause and played their first song unplugged in the middle of the crowd. It was an intimacy that pervaded the entire evening – perfectly suited to the venue – and a feeling that wasn't diminished at all when they scrambled back on stage. 

The Leamington Spa combo of singer/guitarist Luke Concannon and double bass playing/beat-boxing John Parker packed a punch as they played a set that was by turns moving, heartfelt and inspiring, riffing on their trademark, highly distinctive sound that worked perfectly with the Fleece's unique acoustics. 

At one point during the set they proudly pointed out they've been singing and writing songs together since they were 13 – and none of the vitality, energy or chemistry has been lost as they playfully joked with each other throughout the evening. 

Their recording career might be pretty brief, but their set included all the hits and favourites including Start Beginning, England UpRise and I'm Alive. They sang a few new songs – So Often being one of them – which sat comfortably alongside their older material.  It also teased the audience with the thrilling possibility that a new album might be on the not-too-distant horizon. 

No Nizlopi gig, however, would be complete without their most famous tune, The JCB Song, which incredibly sold over 500,000 copies and was a huge hit across Europe. They sang it to a rapturous crowd with a performance that also cheekily (and rather effectively) interpolated excerpts from other songs such as I've Had The Time Of My Life and I Wanna Dance With Somebody. 

The fans loved every minute of it and the gig was rounded off on a triumphant, celebratory high, proving they've lost none of their lyrical wit and musical alchemy.

Concannon said the last time they performed in Bristol was six years ago. Judging by the braying, animated fans, hopefully it won't be another six years until they play here again.    

4/5

Reviewed by Jamie Caddick for 365Bristol



Article by:

James Anderson

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.