The Sugars @ The Old Blue Last, London (album launch party) 07/07/2008 (live review)
Having walked the same grim Northern streets as the Sugars for over three years I’m no stranger to their soulful blues. It was in fact a particular highlight of my trawlings through the North’s bars to stumble across the foursome.
It was on one particular eve, of particular grimness, and particular discontent that destiny shepherded me into a club of the working man. Here is where I first saw the Sugars.
On the dawn of this - their debut album launch - I was intrigued to see whether or not their light would be shining as bright in the big smoke.
After a turbulent year of mixed fortunes; not least a house burning and a debilitating case of RSI the band have certainly come out fighting. So perhaps it’s this trauma that has helped craft the sound they currently wield; one which is decidedly more edgy, biting and diverse then we’ve previously heard.
Indeed; a stronger more determined and driven band take the stage wherein a richer and more varied sound can be heard from the quartet. Lost are none of the qualities that originally made the Sugars such an enjoyable act; the male/female harmonies; the sparring vocals still thrust back and forth between Anna and Matt; and the contrasting shrieks of heartfelt rage with soothing croons blend brilliantly.
The star in the north still shines.
By James Green
Photo by Dan Howarth
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