There are two very good reasons why it's always worth to go to a Big Boy Bloater and The Limit's gig. The first is the contagious good feeling this band is able to express through his music and the band leader's happy, spirited eyes. The second is to get the chance to listen live to the tracks of a great album like Luxury Hobo, the new record of this formidable band.
The historic 100 Club is packed with many BBB fans coming from all different part of the country, from the North of England to even Wales. Big Boy Bloater & The Limits feel immediately that there are special vibes in the house tonight and don't lose a second in launching the positive energy that comes from their talent as musicians and BBB's robust, powerful and graspy voice into tonight's show. The openers I Love You (But I Can't Stand Your Friends) and Robot Girlfriend take the crowd already in a dancing mood and lead the fans to believe that this will be a very special night of music.
Big Boy Bloater & The Limits are a perfect sounding music machine. Many have got the tendency to forget that the Big Boy Bloater, together with being an extraordinary singer, is also an excellent guitarist and he blends perfectly the many sides of his talent in the tracks Devil's Tail and All Things Considered.
The Limits are in great form tonight too. Dan Edwards on keys, Matt Cowley on drums and Steven Oates on bass provide power, fabulous musical improvisation and a solid backbone to their band leader throughout the whole show (Dan Edwards gets even an impromptu, collective Happy Birthday wish from the whole crowd).
Once most of the songs of the new album Luxury Hobo have been performed and highly appreciated by the enthusiastic crowd at the venue tonight, Big Boy Bloater revisits part of his back catalogue, reaching the climax of the show by performing classics of his extensive repertoire such as Rocket Surgery, Sweet & Brown and Big Fat Trap.
The irresistible combo of R&B, alternative rock and soul is something that Big Boy Bloater & The Limits know very well how to put together and tonight is no exception. They feel the crowd is hot enough by now and launch themselves in a pyrotechnic, fast tempo finale with Not Cool Man, the closing track of their new studio album.
After 90 minutes of musical entertainment at its finest, the fans desperately want an encore. A big cheer from the crowd welcomes back the band on stage, where a highly energetic version of Devils & Not Angels closes a wonderful night of music.
Tonight's concert proved that the secret of this band stands not just into their incredible artistry as musicians but also into the fact they are able to speak to different age ranges through their eclectic music offer. Big Boy Bloater & The Limits came and conquered London for one night only and they certainly did it in style.
Giovanni "Gio" Pilato
