When it comes to Night Owl Shows, one is never disappointed with the array and gravitas displayed by the musical tributary company, who have gone the extra mile this year to feature up to eleven productions of varying artist tales and tribulations. Of the many choices,
A terse, pleasing act that conveys a distinctive reflection of the renowned London trio
Angus Munro, Night Owl’s multi-instrumental golden boy and lead vocalist, is as captivating as always, capable of commanding even a small mid-week turnout into chanting many an "SOS" or "Lo-Lo-Lonely". Dan Watt lives up to his name as the proverbial battery of the night, keeping the red lights on with powerful drumming on Roxanne, whilst bassist Harry Whitty leaps big on Walking On The Moon. But it is James Sinclair’s exceptional talents on guitar which shines out as the evening’s definitive highlight, sizzling as he handles the dynamic solo of King of Pain with lucid ease.
The show’s opening is not as neatly presented as their previous ventures, hurriedly arranged in uneven fashion that makes for slapdash first impressions, whilst the history of Sting and The Police isn’t interwoven into the act as well as it could be. In favour of a 12-song display, Night Owls have opted to sacrifice production for more playtime, but this sees some songs cut in half. This frustration of Night Owls’ preference for 50-minute slots is felt strongly in a diminished Don’t Stand So Close To Me, leaving one wanting for a fuller, more rounded performance that balances artistic narrative with longer playthroughs. But as the night draws on, the delivery improves as does their passion, which is ultimately rewarded by the grateful and cheering crowd, rounding off a terse, pleasing act that conveys a distinctive reflection of the renowned London trio.
