Sneaky Pete’s was packed to the rafters, queues at the bar, merch table out - there with a palpable buzz in the air. Buoyed by a recent performance on Later with Jools, Welsh alternative rockers Boy Azooga were in town on the eve of their debut album release.
Hot Mess and Walt Disco provided the support tonight, with the latter putting in a stellar performance. Glasgow’s New-Wave band, Walt Disco, have been grabbing attention since 2016 and aim to challenge the norm of an all-male indie band with their electric live performances. Dressed in androgynous attire, lead singer James croons delightfully throughout the twenty-five mins set, clearly at home on stage. If possible, imagine a Morrissey/Bowie lovechild - something completely different to the current crop of emerging bands. They motor through their latest No Need For Curtains EP, with set highlight being the title track, a concoction of trashing guitars and 80s synth pop choruses. Nigh on impossible to pin these genre-hoppers down, strap yourselves in, their next move is anyone's guess.
Every so often a band bursts onto the scene, offering something different, something exciting, Boy Azooga are that band. After a steady string of eclectic singles, Boy Azooga have been gathering momentum, so much so they sold out Sneaky Pete’s on their first trip to the Capital. The capacity crowd were treated to tracks from debut LP 1,2,Kung Fu! such as Sitting on the First Rock from the Sun and the wozzy, psychedelic Breakfast Epiphany. Visibly delighted with how well the set was being received, they continue the feel good factor with Face Behind The Cigarette - it’s infectious funky groove created mass head-bobbing throughout. The beautiful Jerry, was a particular highlight, a pop track Teenage Fanclub would be proud of. The mastermind behind Boy Azooga is Davey Newington, a musically gifted Cardiff boy with a joyous smile. Even after the gig when we had a brief word, he looked delighted and genuinely blown away by the turnout. They ended with pulsating single Loner Boogie, which had the sweaty walls shaking. Boy, did they impress!
