LIVE: Vinny Peculiar - The Silver Bullet, London 25.03.15

I had never been to the Silver Bullet venue for a gig before tonight. It is quirky, interesting and has wonderful acoustics. It is just like the man I have come to see, that man being Vinny Peculiar.

Mr Peculiar is not a regular on the London gig circuit so I arrive extra early to ensure I do not miss him, so early in fact that I catch the soundcheck. A Parlour Flames (a Peculiar and Bonehead collaboration) track is being played from their self-titled debut album. It sounds wonderful.

Vinny is joined tonight by Rob Steadman (various collaborations) on keys/backing vocals and that is all that this fantastic duo need for this intimate gig. The support acts are Vera Black (fantastic vocals) and Nigel Thomas and band (competent performance).

When Peculiar’s set gets under way, he begins with the track ‘The Hairdressers’, a song taken from his retrospective album, The Root Mull Effect. It is a definite nod to his rather radical new hairstyle and the perfect opener. It is theatrical and memorable.
Then the music leads the audience to ‘The English Village’, a song from Peculiar’s new album, Down the Bright Stream. The man is a joy to watch. He is eccentric in his movement and the passion that he has for his craft resonates through him. As the next song ‘Judy Wood’ (Other People Like Me) kicks in, it becomes clear that this is going to be a memorable performance.

The set list takes in the history of Peculiar’s music career. Old and new tracks blend in beautifully together. ‘Confessions Of A Sperm Donor’ and ‘Anthony Gormley’ are a blast to hear live. I don’t believe I have heard the word ‘penis’ said so many times in a live set as I have regarding the latter track.

Peculiar’s vocals are unwavering as he unleashes on to us the insightful lyrics that litter his albums. Steadman’s backing vocals compliment the proceedings. Nothing is lost in the live version of the wonderfully nostalgic ‘Catalogue Trousers’ (Down The Bright Stream), as Vinny sings and cites his way through the track. He is nothing short of engaging as a performer.

It is all over too soon as Peculiar ends with one of my favourite songs, ‘Jesus Stole My Girlfriend’ (Ironing The Soul). It is a perfect way to end the night as there is something godly about this man. And then it is back to earth to catch the last train home…