Hothouse Flowers
Shepherd’s Bush Empire, London

To a semi-full (1,500) Empire audience comprising of 30-Somethings the band produced a lively, energetic affair that ended up turning into a ceildh.

Most know the trio from the late 80’s when their smash hit single ‘Don’t Go’ was placing the band at the forefront of British music. However, subsequent albums failed to meet public expectations and the band seemed to disappear.

The band has returned with a new album and, in their own words, a renewed enthusiasm for the music industry.

The boys moved through there set casually sliding in and out of Funk and Blues, taking in a little Cuban Son while maintaining that Soul underpinning. Liam, he of the hair + bad trousers, passionate as ever.

It’s soul. Celtic Soul. Hothouse Flowers are Celtic Soul. They personify it. Liam’s passionate vocals are the surface of this but look slightly deeper and the live performance by all the musicians is heart felt. They enjoy it and look like they’re enjoying it. You may doubt their musical direction; you could never doubt their musical ability. Now, Liam, Fiachna, and Peter have been joined by a very able drummer in Dave Clarke.

After a two hour set the band played a four song encore which I felt was the most enjoyable part of the gig. A crowd of fans filled the gaps on stage and the party began. Toward the end of the encore the band changed direction and instruments! Guitarist changes to playing the penny whistle, whilst the bassist picked up an acoustic and the singer joined the transformation with a Bodhran to produce a very accomplished traditional Irish Reel.

Some songs have a tendency toward instrumental jamming than constructed piece, not that that is such a bad thing in a live performance, if you like that kind of thing. However, without the benefit of the album at hand it is difficult to say whether this is true to the tracks or another demonstrations of their musical talent. ?

http://www.hothouseflowers.com