LIVE REVIEW: Troy Redfern with The Commoners

The double headliner tour of Troy Redfern and The Commoners hits the Historic Town of York. Taking turns to headline, it’s Troy’s turn to be on first. Like some gun slinging guitar wielding cowboy rolling into Town ready to take no prisoners, Troy and his band mean business. Coming on to ‘All Night’ and then straight into ‘Sweet Carolina’, a personal favourite of mine, with some tasty, heavy slide playing this is no supporting act. We get both barrels from the off. The foot stomping ‘Come On’ really gets the crowd rocking n’ rolling, the party has definitely begun.

We are treated to a new song ‘Get Away’ from the new album that’s due out in September and what a great tune it is. As Troy puts it ‘Dark Religion’ was his favourite song from the ‘Wings of Salvation’ album and it’s difficult to disagree, although it has strong competition as there are so many great songs on it. Another couple of new ones from the forthcoming album, ‘Native’ and then ‘Down’ show what another cracking album Troy has in store for us all. ‘Scorpio’ from ‘Fire Cosmic’ is next and this is always a joy to hear live, really adding so much more from the studio recording.

‘The Fever’ is up next, again from the up and coming new album. This is a track that was released as a single a couple of months ago. What a great song it is, really catchy. I have heard it played many times on Planet Rock so was singing along to this one. ‘Waiting for Your Love’ and the brilliant ‘Sanctify’ finishes the set and it’s over all too soon. Slide fantastic Troy Redfern and his band are set for bigger things, catch them when you can live, they are the real deal.

The Commoners from Canada are next up for the York audience tonight. There is really buzz in the UK about these guys. We love our Southern Style Rock here and Planet Rock has certainly be playing these guys lots recently. The Commoners hit the stage with their latest single ‘More than Mistakes’ from their critically acclaimed album ‘Find a Better Way’. What can I say about this band they have it all, I am hooked and reeled in from the start. I am a fan from the first few bars. I am hearing touches of the Temperance Movement in there. ‘Find a Better Way’ follows which is very Black Crowes in it’s feel. Chris Medhurst announces that they are so very excited to be here tonight and thanks us all for such a warm welcome that they have received in the UK before heading straight into ‘Devil Teasing Me’ another new one. ‘Body and Soul’ slows it down, some beautiful slide playing and tasty Hammond Organ thrown in for good measure. Almost gave me a Pink Floyd moment.

A new song follows, ‘Who Are You’ or maybe ‘Ain’t Knocked Down’ or if anyone got any ideas for a better title then let them know, whatever it is to be called it’s a great song. Medhurst thanks everyone for coming out on a Thursday night before explaining that the next song ‘Naturally’ is about being far away from home, with three shows to go they are looking forward to getting home to see some people they need to see, it’s been a wild ride so thank you. I later find out that Adam Cannon’s Dad had passed away while they were on tour, so it must have been a hard decision to carry on, but it seems that his Dad would have wanted them to do. Our thoughts are with all who knew him. ‘Deadlines’ follows before the beautiful ‘Melissa’ transitioning into ‘Hangin on Again’… Chris’s vocals are a joy to behold, truly magical what a voice he has. What a song maybe the highlight of the night, then again they have all been great. ‘Fill my Cup’ ends the set but the York crowd are not ready to go home and demand more so The Commoners duly oblige, returning to the stage for one more the excellent new song ‘Shake you Off’.

It has been a fantastic evening with two great bands. The Commoners have gained many new fans including me and I for one can’t wait them to return to the UK in October supporting the amazing Samantha Fish. What a night that is going to be and one that can’t be missed. These shows will sell out so get your tickets now.

Words & photos by David Pickles

GALLERY
Troy Redfern

The Commoners