The question is whether you actually need a good reason to attend a Free Candy Session in the Liquid Ship. Some might think free music by Grant George, Ben Sturrock, Daffy and Sugar Crisis would be reason enough but the Bluesbunny is a deep, philosophical thinker who seeks meaning in his life. Wait a minute. A new kebab shop has opened up a couple of doors away. God truly works in mysterious ways. There is purpose in life once more. Let's get going.
Grant George is up first. He's from Perth but seems like a decent chap all the same. He also talks quietly and sings big. You know the script. A bit of self effacing, half mumbled humour and then he sings big and confidently. Might be because he used to be in a band. Might be some cunning technological trick but he can fill a room with his voice. It was a bit disconcerting to hear one so young do a world weary song about women but that is what he did with "Overboard". So far, so good.
Then came Ben Sturrock. He really looks like he belongs on stage and, just to prove that very point, the audience goes quiet. Especially the female part of it who seem to hang on his every word. Our Mr Sturrock has style, a very decent voice and some fine songs like "Thursday's Child" but there was this thing that bugged the Bluesbunny. Then he did a Tracey Chapman cover and all was clear. Come to think of it, Bluesbunny doesn't even know if Tracey Chapman is dead or alive but if she has been reincarnated then her voice and sentiments have inhabited the body of Ben Sturrock. Next time you hear him, close your eyes and see if you agree.
Following our Mr Sturrock is Daffy. Two guys, two guitars with one of the guys slumming it from his band as far as the Bluesbunny can determine. They have a relaxed, easy going style and have no problems keeping the attention of the audience. Even though they are of the age to be having a midlife crisis, they nevertheless manage to keep up the witty, inter song banter. Daffy aka Stephen Dahill's vocals do the business and remain distinctive throughout and he had the best line of the night - "… this is a song about unrequited love, it's always the cheapest".
Last on tonight are Sugar Crisis. Another duo with Neil on keyboards and Lorna on guitar, they provide us tonight with a lightweight, sugary pop confections of remarkable cuteness. Although initially nervous, they gain confidence as they go through their set and, indeed, become rather jaunty towards the end. Putting together cheesy synths, drum machines with some sharp lyrics that make the most trivial things interesting and entertaining. "Happiness is the New Black" gave the Bluesbunny the urge to sing along and they finished their set with the embarrassingly catchy "Stuck in Traffic. OK, they are a bit back to the eighties but they have the kind of charm that you would expect of the music from the Wee Pop label (if you don't know them then go to www.weepop.net and see what we mean).
A rather fine night with Grant George scoring on points but it was those infernal Sugar Crisis songs that Bluesbunny was humming on his way to the kebab shop. Must see them again…