Review by Peter Keevil
Dudley’s pop-rock sensations, EofE have come a long way in 2014, from arena tours opening for McBusted and The Vamps they have grown up in the public eye. Now benefitting from a stripped back sound, working with David Jones (aka Johnny Rocker of Heavens Basement) and adding a second guitarist in Reece Luke they look like they have re-found their rock credentials.
The sold out Temple Room at The Institute is a sight to behold for a band that only pulled in 20 the last time I caught them at the Academy 3.
Vocalist, Tom Harris, leads from the front; an old-school front man he orchestrates the audience at every opportunity; arms swaying, clapping, sing-alongs, call and returns, he uses every trick in the book to keep the crowd on their toes. Not that they needed much encouragement, the bulk of them singing along word perfect, even to the newer numbers.
Tom’s wingman, Dan Bremner is all gun-slinging cool, stepping up front and centre when required to play ‘guitar hero’. While the gang of three in Luke, Reece and drummer Nicky hold it down solid and hard, a perfect foil for the Tom/Dan double-salvo.
The songs come thick and fast, one big hook and huge chorus after another; all hummable, memorable even after a single listen. It is POP music with a capital R, so catchy they should be sponsored by a STD clinic.
Vocalist Tom shows his chops with a brave rendition of Adele’s ‘Rollin In The Deep’, while their now famous mash up of ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit’ and ‘Billie Jean’, shows creative innovation when leaning on covers. But it’s closing track and current single ‘Bridges’ that will pay the mortgage… brim-full of energy and sass.
All this from a band yet to release their debut album.
Setlist:
1. Lust
2. If Only Your Boyfriend Knew
3. Kiss Me Like You Mean It
4. Save The Night
5. Piece Of You
6. Rollin’ In The Deep (Adele)
7. Buck Rogers (Feeder)
8. Stars In Hollywood
9. Smells Like Billie Jean
10. Bridges
