Song, by Toad

Woodenbox with a Fistful of Fivers.  It’s a name you’re not going to forget in a hurry isn’t it?  And they are a band that you will not forget in a hurry either, of that I promise.  Starting off as a solo project simply called Woodenbox, Ali Downer has built around him a fine set of musicians who call themselves A Fistful of Fivers.  However,  there is definitely more of a band vibe to this lot than a solo artist with associated backing band.  Anyways, I remember seeing them a while back at one of the excellent Rubix nights (R.I.P) at the GRV and thinking what a great band.  They blew everyone away with their own brand of slightly eerie Americana.  Then this year at Trampoline’s 2^nd birthday party they once again left their mark with a blistering set which left me itching for more.  So I was extremely pleased and fortunate to have recently been asked to play piano for the band.   So far it has been an amazing experience playing Sneaky Pete’s and getting 4 out of 5 in the Scotsman then playing a practically sold out King Tuts on Saturday night before playing to a mobbed Kelvingrove Park on Sunday as part of the West End Festival.   However,  I don’t want the fact I now sit in on keys for them to suggest that there will be a bias in this review.  It’s important to note that I have always loved the band and think their music is simply brilliant. 

Anyways, Monday saw the release of their second single ‘Hang the Noose’ on King Tuts Recordings.  In terms of eerieness, this particular song stands out from the others.  It’s driving trumpet and saxaphone are particularly creepy and the song ebs and flows beautifully with an almost Mariachi like quality.  I can totally imagine the whole band dressed as Mexicans wandering through the streets playing this tune.  It’s  just great.  The second tune for your pleasure is called ‘My Mule’ and is the B-side from previous single ‘Twisted Mile’.  It is a much different proposition live than it is on this particular recording – as can be said about a lot of the tunes – but this is the version that sucked me in.  It’s a real TUNE!  Anyways, if you like what you hear, keep an eye out on their myspace for upcoming shows and for future releases.  Just make sure you catch them live as soon as you can because despite my bias, I can promise you they are as good live as anyone doing the rounds in Scotland at the moment.  And you can buy the single at all good music shops.

Hang The Noose – Woodenbox with a Fistful of Fivers

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My Mule – Woodenbox with a Fistful of Fivers

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