Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle
Saturday March 2, 2013 :
The Sydney based Crooked Fiddle Band, who have recently returned from a hugely successful European Tour that boasted gig dates in amazing countries including Germany, Norway and Sweden, finally made it back to our shores to play the Cambridge Hotel in Newcastle.
The gypsy style hard rock sound that is synonymous with the band was as dominating as it always is, although the lengthy European tour has noticeably made the 4 piece band tighter and more dynamic than ever which was not lost on the enthusiastic crowd that seemed ever so excited to have this unique band entertain them once again.
After the noticeable absence which was due to the tour, included studio recording time in the United States with legendry sound engineer Steve Albini, the band played tracks from the new album, Overgrown Tales, that I am personally happy to say are much heavier than previous material.
Even though the style is essentially that of the Crooked Fiddle Band sound, the heavier tracks are so much more “in your face”, almost a syncopated heavy metal formula with great punch. Also of note is a move towards more vocal content. The band has used vocals in the occasional tune in the past, but were still essentially an instrumental outfit. The addition of more songs containing lyric and wailing melodic harmonies gives the band a new depth and contrast to the predominately instrumental catalogue of previous albums.
In conclusion its great to have this amazingly unique band back where they belong, blasting away fans new and old on home soil with a swag of great brand new heavier than ever tunes.