Buzzard, Buzzard, Buzzard: The 100 Club, London – live review

Buzzard Buzzard Buzzard
100 Club, London
16th November 2022

Aided by an ebullient frontman oozing charisma, Cardiff’s much-hyped Buzzard Buzzard Buzzard are a well-drilled band that look to be on the brink of breaking through to the big time. Tom Parry sees the last show of their current tour at a packed and soggy 100 Club in London.

For a veteran gig goer like me, watching a band as youthful as Buzzard Buzzard Buzzard appear fully formed already while still somewhat baby-faced can be disconcerting.

Yet led by dazzling frontman Tom Rees, this four-piece outfit (sometimes five) from Cardiff were so slick and charming during their one-hour set at London’s legendary 100 Club that it was impossible not to like them.

Appropriately, given the name, the band possesses an on-stage buzz which many strive for but never attain.

Starting out with a guitar, wearing a plain white T-shirt and jeans, Rees kicked off the show looking every inch the young heartthrob rock star – aided by a recent buzz cut.

An image overhaul that probably suits him better than the glam rock mop on display on the cover of the band’s first album.

No less impressive were the other members of the band, especially – from where I was standing – Ethan Hurst on drums.

The songs have their roots in another era, walloping along with real verve and panache, reminiscent perhaps of 1970s acts like Slade or T-Rex, even Queen, sometimes soaring into heavier territory.

Afterwards, the singer took to the keyboards, putting guitarist Zac White and younger brother Ed Rees on bass into the spotlight.

All seemed masterful on their instruments. This could prove a blessing for their future, with definite stadium-rocking potential.

They will also need to be careful not to be self-indulgent, keeping their playing as tight as it is now.

The lyrics, though, sometimes suggest something more subtle behind the power-pop swagger. 

Back on his feet, songwriter Rees strutted the venue’s small stage with the preening self-confidence of a young Mick Jagger.

At moments, when he sang falsetto, I was also oddly reminded of Justin Hawkins from The Darkness, although visually they are miles apart.

On the far end of the stage his brother smiled throughout, while clearly very focused, looking so young that I wondered whether he might be missing lessons the following morning.

The singer’s utterances between numbers suggested the band might have been slightly overawed by playing such a prestigious place in London, but that certainly didn’t come across.

They were consummately professional.

On a tempestuous, squally night, the basement 100 Club on Oxford Street provided a welcome sanctuary.

So grim were the conditions outside that it was a surprise that the place was as busy. 

An indication of Buzzard Buzzard Buzzard’s growing popularity, with followers young and old.

Those at the front were obviously true devotees, chanting along to many of their very catchy, riff-heavy songs.

Next time this polished outfit is on tour, Buzzard Buzzard Buzzard will undoubtedly need a bigger moshpit.

~

You can find Buzzard Buzzard Buzzard online here: www.buzzardbuzzardbuzzard.com

They are also on Twitter and Instagram

All words by Tom Parry. More words by Tom Parry can be found at his author’s archive. Tom Parry is also on Twitter as @parrytom

All photos © Paul Grace. For more of Paul’s writing and photos go to his archive. Paul is on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and his websites are www.paulgrace-eventphotos.co.uk & www.pgrace.co.uk

Source: louderthanwar.com