BlackBud

Three years ago, eFestivals checked out Keane, and just look at them now. Now we bring you another very real tip for future ....

BlackBud were the very first band to announce their appearance at Glastonbury this year. They're due to play in the Avalon field (on two different stages) each day, and are also one of the six finalists (from 3000 bands!) for a slot on the Bands Tent.

These three guys, Joe, Adam and Sam (aged just 17 & 18) are oozing talent, like I've not seen before, even in many veterans of the music scene let alone a group of teenagers. If they're not stars within a few years, the music industry will have been sucked right up Simon Cowell's arse.



Tonight they're playing at Bristol's Louisiana – a respected and intimate circuit venue, who, for instance, had Keane pack the place a few weeks back. As regulars there, they've been called in with two days notice as the support act after a late withdrawal, and they've not had a chance to publicise.

So bodies are thin on the ground, but by the time they start playing there's a loose crowd of around 40. This isn't ideal to get any atmosphere I think, but their performance is more than enough to lift it.



Guitarist Joe has an astounding maturity ... was he was born with that guitar in his hand? At times I'm shocked that it's not some ageing bluesman. He already has the sense to lay down a style that fits the song rather than show off, but still with the twists and turns of a master. And it's not just the guitar which shines, both of the rhythm section have a style that sets up a vibrancy for Joe's vocals to wrap the audience in.



The songs are extremely well crafted for a band so young and clearly reveal a huge understanding of musical classics, but the versions I've heard on their self produced demo EP are a little flat - they don't match the fantastic live delivery: I'm very pleased I've made the effort to see them. None of the songs played tonight could be described as fillers, but several stand out, "158" and "Sitting By The River" particularly.



I hate to use the 'c' word (that's Coldplay;-) because the comparision isn't strictly true ... Imagine songs that strong - but played with the oomph of Muse - at one end of the scale, and 60's rock/blues (kind of Cream style) at the other. If any of that encompasses your tastes, you should love this band.



Each summer, I see hundreds of bands on festival stages, and the truth is that few really impress – typically less than ten each year. I already know that BlackBud are on my list of best bands for this year.

See their website for more information, and some mp3's to download – your ears will love you for it.

FUTURE GIGS

sorry, we currently have no gigs listed for this act.