The Black and Reds @ The Stein Bar Saturday 22 May 2010

The Stein Bar is amongst the more modern and attractive of Walsall's live music venues and perhaps therefore the ideal location for 'The Black and Reds' homecoming gig. Who wouldn't want to play a garden party at midnight on the hottest night of the year (so far) in front of a packed muso loving audience in the heart of the town? Don't answer that...instead imagine our joy at being liberated from the comms and norms of the society treadmill  by the "we don't give a monkey's" exuberance of Walsall's own 'The Black and Reds.'

Contrary to their outward demeanour of being a band that would happily trash their gear  in seconds for effect, T.B n R obviously do give a darn. You don't become as extraordirily talented as Ash Black (drums & vox) and Greg Red (guitar & vox) by spending any spare time that you have getting back up to date with 'Eastenders', 'Heroes' or 'Emmerdale.' Here, we are talking talented muso's of the almost supernatural kind.

T.B n R tore into their set  in the same way that you'd expect a starving Gary Lineker to rip into a bag of Walkers. Organised chaos ensued, and by the time that the boom and clatter of muso madness finally came to a standstill (maybe around 1am) one was left with no doubt that headline slots were made for this band ~ not the other way round.

It's difficult to argue with the band's claim that they sound like 'the best thing you ever heard - but better' and it would be an interesting debate. Keeping it simple we'd prefer to say that in their style and approach T.B n R has something for almost everyone. They can funky groove and they can heavy rock.  They can make you laugh and they can perhaps make you feel like shedding the odd tear. They can quickly sway you between admiration for their dedication and disgust at their antics. They kiss you passionately on the cheeks and kick you viciously in the groin at the same time. And if you see any drumsticks poking out of  your guttering, they'll belong to 'Ash Black.'

Back to the Stein Bar. On the outside, classy black

country garden party, on the inside, cool bar with a distinctly American diner feel to it. (We almost expected to be offered coffee, black with two sugars by a gum chewing waitress in a sensible blue/white outfit and oversized writing pad to hand). By being at the forefront of the borough's live muso scene the Stein Bar and its sat night promoters 'Glow' have backed a winner.

Whilst Walsall's love / hate relationship with live music continues the Glow Crew were able to produce a muso experience during which Walsall's love for live music shone through. As the sectioned crowd sang along to the final number competitively, with Ash Black in his element ~ pulling the strings, there were fleeting moments that Wembley Arena wouldn't have seemed out of place as a backdrop to the muso party. As it was The Stein Bar was more than good enough. 

Truly Cool ~ 'Back Door' is an ace song, as is 'World of Lies'. The band doesn't keep a set list so forget about any possibility of knowing remotely what could happen next when you watch them. Plus we were treated like Goth Gods by the staff and promoters - which was especially cool.

Not So Hot ~ Comeon Walsall...let yourselves go. We're only 10 miles from the UK's second city. Don't be afraid of enjoying yourselves. If and when these guys return lets make sure our screams of joy tear a hole in the night sky. They are worth the effort!!!
Peace.