Review of:

“Dirty Deeds”

At The Red Lion, Bozeat

On: Saturday 18/03/06

By: Gaby

For any true Rock Fan “ACDC” are one of those bands that have not only stood the test of time and trend but have also been a benchmark for the many hard Rock bands that have come after them. They are in a sense unique and though many would believe their finest work was to be found in the “Back in Black” and “Hells Bells” albums there are many treats to be found in their earlier work which was only too well accounted for by this excellent “ACDC” Tribute Band who covered the likes of: “Riff Raff”, “Down Payment Blues”, “Sin City” (Bozeat – Surly Not!), “TNT”, “Shoot to Thrill”, and the wonderful “Let There Be Rock” amongst many more.

I suppose what is often discussed and debated at length amongst “ACDC” fans is that of who they prefer most as lead singer in the band, that of Bon Scott or Brian Johnson. In many ways it is a futile argument because they are both just as good but in different ways, but one thing that I suppose most would probably agree is that both singers had a gruff, snarley and throaty voice that perfectly suited the songs although few would call their respective voices melodic.

For many “ACDC” Cover & Tribute bands (and which there are plenty) the aim is usually to cover as close to the original as possible. Whilst this can be good, what you often find is a disappointing performance of variable quality.

“Dirty Deeds” on the otherhand, I felt to be a whole hearted and honest interpretation and tribute to what is obviously their musical heroes and musical inspiration.

Their enjoyment of the music and songs is all apparent as they stormed their way through one track after another without let up, giving us a relatively small but perfectly formed sample of the huge back catalogue of these true Monsters of Rock.

What I really liked about this band was how they managed to pay homage to these Rock Music Gods whilst still allowing their own musical creativity and interpretation to shine through in a most “user friendly” style.

Now before we go any further you could be forgiven for thinking that any “ACDC” tribute band that has a female lead singer might not be able to cut that all important ACDC vibe. But believe me you would be very much mistaken!

Anna on lead vocals had the lot, giving an absolutely awesome performance of staggeringly powerful tones making the hair stand up on the back of your neck and perhaps doing something that neither the great Bon Scott or Brian Johnson could ever do and that is add some real melody, tone and depth to the vocal performance. Equally and what I think is just as important for any live gigging band, her stage presence and contact with the audience as front man / person was great, engaging the packed in crowd in a friendly and fun manner without being too “in your face”.

Chunk on Lead Guitar gave a really accomplished and professional performance blistering his way through one sweaty number after the other offering us a real taste of that classic ACDC sound.

Steve on Rhythm Guitar gave a laid back but equally mesmerising performance of outstanding quality.

Whilst bringing up the rear percussion duo was Lee on Bass who gave us a rock steady and perfectly complimentary set of heavy string work and “new boy” Kev on Drums who I thought gave the set a truly memorable and accomplished set of beats.

The sound was great and when you put that together with a quality tight outfit such as “Dirty Deeds” what you get out the other end is an evening of sheer musical enjoyment and an evening to remember.

All in all this band were an absolute treat and one which I would most certainly without any reservation recommend you see soon, but alas a website that needs updating badly once again!

So I’m afraid you will have to do the graft and find them soon at a rock venue near you.

It will be worth your effort, I promise you.

PS: Don’t forget you ear plugs. Having not worn any I’ve only just got my hearing back, but boy was it worth it!