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Juliette And The Licks are Hollywood film star Juliette Lewis and bandmates Ed Davis, Todd Morse, Kemble Walters and Jason Womack.
Actress turned rocker, which in this case is far more genuine and interesting than the usual model-cum-actress or actress-cum-pop singer scenario, Juliette has been an active band leader since 2003.
With Ep, ‘Like A Bolt of Lighting’ in 2004, 2005 album ‘You’re Speaking My Language’ on their CV, The Licks have been extensively touring Europe since the release of second Lp ‘Four On The Floor’ in 2006.
With aforementioned releases and the customary touring that usually follows, The Licks have become regulars on the live scene, in the process carving themselves a reputation for energetic performances, especially from petite live wire Miss Lewis.
I am very eager to check out the worthiness of the hype.
As the lights come down and the crowd is screaming in anticipation we can hear the pounding beat of Iggy Pop’s ‘Nightclubbing’ filtering through the speakers until the impatient audience demands Juliette.
Eventually the four male members take to their instrument and start rocking the stage. As it will take the singer a while longer to make her entrance I have no choice but notice that we have been presented with some of the finest looking musicians around!
Coincidence or something more sinister?
The ‘Intro’ is over and here she is, simple white vest, black skinny jeans and kitten heels, raring to go, from 0-60 in five seconds, head first into ‘Mindful Of Daggers’ from ‘Four On The Floor’.
Interestingly both albums are equally presented to us, the tracks carefully alternated between newish and older. Sixteen numbers overall, ‘American Boy’, ‘Pray For The Band Latoya’, ‘Bullshit King’, single ‘Sticky Honey’, ‘Never Got To Tell You’, ‘Inside The Cage’....
Somewhere between in there Juliette declares to her worshipping public The Licks’ happiness at being back in the UK, their second home....that will be another round of clapping and cheering then.
The energy on stage is relentless from both Juliette and her band mates, many a time caught simultaneously head banging.
Twice during the show we are given the impression that the quintet is ready to take us on a slower path, but both times are simply a case of ‘the calm before the storm’.
To start ‘This I know’, Juliette gets down in the pit, shakes people’s hands and generally works the crowd but before we know it she is back on stage showing off her vigourous stage antics once again, long brown hair defying gravity.
2006 ‘Death Of A Whore’ will see her writhing on the floor, seemingly in both pain and anger. After a great rendition of ‘Got Love To Kill’ and ‘Hot Kiss’ follows another short period of down time when Juliette wishes a happy birthday to Ben, 21 tonight. Not for the Hollywood babe to sing a traditional, predictable ‘Happy Birthday’, instead we are encouraged to chant as one, “ you’re so amazing “ which works just as well and of course is also a prelude to ‘So Amazing’ from their debut Lp
and with that it’s time for an encore.
After the obligatory few minutes of feet stomping and incantations of
“ we want Lewis, we want Lewis “ we get Lewis back on stage in her bra! No cheap stunt as, admittedly, after such a workout she must be feeling the heat.
Before throwing herself into crowd pleaser ‘Get Up’ and its infectious and appropriate singalong chorus of: “ so you got yourself a rock’n’roll band! “ she cheekily points out that she feels like she is the only one topless, [that must be because you are Lewis], and with that the stage is showered with punters’ shirts, providing humour to an otherwise straight down the line classic rock number.
Every band member is individually introduced, in turn showing off their musical talent reminding us that they are so much more than eye candy, jamming their way into the finale, ‘You’re Speaking My Language’, title track and first single from their first album, they somehow end up shirtless.
Generously making sure that we got our money’s worth!
The five of them line up to salute the crowd and they exit the stage for the second and last time.
Iggy would have been proud of this genuine Oscar winning performance.
Words and Pictures: Florence ACHERY
www.julietteandthelicks.com
www.myspace.com/julietteandthelicks |
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