The Track Dogs at The Square Tower, Old Portsmouth REVIEW: 'An intoxicating mix'
If there was ever a testament to how far the Portsmouth music scene has significantly improved in recent years it would be Ken Brown's Square Roots’ 100th show on Saturday night.
Genre-busting country, folk, Americana, blues, you name it, the band Track Dogs provided the perfect headliner, returning for yet another sold out show.
With American, Irish and English blood running through their veins, it’s an intoxicating mix.
Lead singer Garret Wall, a wily troubadour, leads his band of merry men through a wonderful celebratory set that by the end had the audience out of their seats and forming a small but perfectly formed dancefloor at the back of the hall.
Irishman Dave Mooney anchors everything with some devilish, understated bass playing. Honorary Englishman Howard Brown gives the band at times a mariachi feel on trumpet, and Robbie K Prowse is the perfect wingman for Garrett – there are several knowing glances between the pair during the set underscoring the tight bond of the band.
But it’s when the band huddle round a large microphone at the front of the stage, that they show their true colours and strengths.
The vocal harmonies are sublime, the most obvious analogy would be to Crosby, Still and Nash – but perhaps I am being a bit lazy as there is enough quality for them to stand on their own two (or eight) feet.
There was another reason to celebrate tonight, superfan Shane Hadley had travelled from Gravesend for his 50th Track Dogs gig. The band presented him with a commemorative T-shirt on stage – a nice touch.