Live Review: The Hummingbirds @ The Barfly, Camden

It’s hard not to assume what The Hummingbirds will sound like when they appear on stage clad in suits and collarless shirts. And to some extent first impressions are right, however they’re not necessarily bad impressions.

The five-piece from Liverpool performed songs from their upcoming album to a rowdy and involved crowd. They managed to unite a room full of Londoners and Scousers with their folky twinges and definitive harmonies. The band opened their set with ‘Took My Heart, a jangly and upbeat song juxtaposed with pining lyrics and elongated vocals.

‘Talking of Tomorrow featured a harmonica intro with a distinctive country rhythm, while ‘Knocking On My Door appeared to have roots rock and southern influences. With americana and bluegrass riffs present in their songs, The Hummingbirds draw on The Beatles, The Eagles, and The Hollies, and Johnny Cash for inspiration.

“The five-piece from Liverpool performed songs from their upcoming album to a rowdy and involved crowd. They managed to unite a room full of Londoners and Scousers with their folky twinges and definitive harmonies”

Out of the Rain’ was a crowd favourite with broad vocals and a hooky chorus. However, what makes this band impressive is that they take great inspiration from their roots, and in turn evoke idealistic images of Liverpool. This philosophy certainly holds true for ‘Back in Liverpool – with jangling acoustics, transient quick tempos and lyrics that have soupçons of classic country lyricists.

The Hummingbirds will release their debut album in March 2016.

‘Out Of The Rain’.

 

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