Will and the People

Will and the People
The Troubadour, SW5
27th May 2008

It's a balmy spring evening on the Old Brompton Road. Being sat in an ornate garden, coupled with an agreeable bottle of house red is the perfect prelude to what we are about to witness. I am reminded by Charlie that the ghosts of Hendrix and Dylan are with us this evening, as these fine young men have graced this very stage. I am touched. Admittedly there is some work to be done but the comparisons are hopefully apt. For tonight we are in the Troubadour and are here to see the recently signed Will and the People.

Stepping underground there is a celebratory feel in the air. This is the sort of venue that cigarettes were invented for and I chasten myself for not frequenting this quirky little shindig during the glory days. However I have not had this much fun so close to work since I first stepped into a pub aged 14 near school.

Young William saunters on and I am happy to see his trousers hanging far too low. He picks up his guitar and starts strumming the opening chords of new song 'Weirdos'. Tis a song which any Londoner will relate to on the perils of seeing a genuine odd one every time you step outside the front door. It's a welcome relief from the indie dandies that were supporting. Liberal side partings did not cover up the fact they were very poor. I forget their name.

'You don't like my shirt?' No we don't Will, now put your collar down and play those rasta beats big man. To be fair the boy has impeccable in-betweeen song chat.

The band are focused with new recruit Noddy on the drums leading the way. The bearded musos (including the bassist Sweedish) nod in unison, everyone is happy and dancing to the chorus of 'Strangers', surely the first single to hit the charts. What occurs is a heady mix of sweat, reggae and endorphins culminating in some impromptu dancing with the formidable Mrs Rendle to 'Sometimes'. Very chilled.

Its a short set, a few of my slower favourites are notably absent. Perhaps this is a showcase of things to come as there appears to be a rockier edge going on this evening, certainly since I caught the band at the Vibe bar a month or so ago. The Police, Pete Murray and Stephen Marley all spring to mind intermittently. After 40 minutes that is it, the band march off to rapturous applause. 

Its Addison Lee time and back to Will's new pad for some cultural leanings sponsored by RCA records.