The Wallbirds - Camden Barfly, London - 17/6/09
4/5
By: Yousif Nur
Judging by the amount of punters hemming in to see these guys after the opening act are over and done with whilst the Wallbirds set their gear up, one is immediately alert to observe that this is one of those bands that you see now and then - looking to jump atop a crest of an upcoming wave or at least getting to work their way up to that platform.
So here we have the Wallbirds. Written off by many upon being dropped by Dance To The Radio, but snapped up by an Island Records A&R for management, later roping in award-winning producer Bob Clearmountain (Bruce Springsteen, Paul McCartney, Robbie Williams, Bryan Adams) for album duties.
There's a presence of blue-collar America, much like Springsteen in every possible angle, degree and dimension of the songs. Though this most certainly isn't a bad thing, because these are rather decently penned. Normally a three-piece, the band swells to an all-star nine man line-up including three of those backing up with choir duties. It's also fair to admit that many of their new admirers are here tonight on the back of their imminent single 'Lying At The Side Of You', and much like every song performed, is met with rapturous and appreciative applause. Before long, expect to hear these tunes on all Dad compilation cd's, American teen/romcom flicks and maybe, just maybe a support slot with the Boss himself?
Though Wallbirds hometown of Doncaster may feel a million miles from New Jersey, for a few moments we're left gazing at a piece of some of it within touching distance.
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