The Everlasting Yeah – The Half Moon Putney, London 12 May 2016

So this was a bit more sophisticated. A wee bit more relaxed too. After a wet winter’s night in Islington, summer’s returned after a couple of days away and the Everlasting Yeah are back too.

The Half Moon is a longstanding London music place in affluent Putney. A gastropub at the front, an old fashioned sweaty venue at the bag, I walked in and was immediately greeted by a relaxed looking Raymond and Brendan, obviously at home in their new upmarket environs. I had to forego the artisanal pub grub after a jacket potato pit stop at home. It was a school night after all and a few of the Yeah’s regular fans weren’t in town. A shame as they missed out on a cracking gig from the boys.

In the midst of preparing for their second LP, this gig was a try out for those new songs, whilst trying to expand their fan base. The Half Moon regularly attracts fans for their gigs – Dr Feelgood are playing there at the weekend.

Starting as a folk and blues venue in the sixties, it hosted Sonny Terry, Brownie McGhee, John Martyn and Bert Jansch. It branched out into rock with the Stones, the Who and U2 all playing here. It almost closed at the start of this century but appears to be revamped and reinvigorated.

The gig was another tip top affair from the Everlasting Yeah. The vocals especially worked well with the whole band harmonising to great effect. The sound was again excellent – just like at the Lexington (reviewed here). It is a tribute to these specialist music venues just how well they capture the bands. Everything was razor sharp.

Some songs got their first airing, some their second. “Just Myself” opened the set for the second gig running, its locked Krautrock groove blending wonderfully with those dual Television guitars. The punkish “Whatever” (possibly also know as “Motorbeat City” was a punkish blast of energy. “Dylan” came later in the set, punching well above its weight and capturing the excitement of being Bob in the middle of the sixties. The bravest move was saved for the encore. “How Things Are” was particularly new. It was the song where the lads stretched out, much as they do on “The Grind”. Starting off with some jazzy improvisations, it eventually ended in a Small Faces-like sixties beat stomp. Its a little bit of a work in progress but boy has it got potential.

Many of the other favourites were rolled out with all of “Anima Rising” being performed with the exception of “The Grind”. A special shout for a new arrangement of “New Beat on Shakin’ Street” complete with handclaps and even more harmonies – great stuff.

It was a joyous way to spend a summer’s evening. The new songs bode very well for the next album and the old ones – well, they’ve still got it.

“Anima Rising” is still available here.

A brief word about “Of Arrowe Hill” who opened. I only caught a couple of their songs – good literate classic guitar with a bluesy psychedelic edge.