22-20s @ the Forum, London, 08.05.2004

Sharing my, your and everybody's vitriol - the 22-20s. Blues rock purists don't fail to impress at the London Forum. Report by Sherief Younis.

13/05/2004

After being hyped and hated by a rampaging media mob it’s understandable that The 22-20’s might have something to say. Hailed as the saviours of British music (again) and taking their name from a blues song lends little to the idea that they are classic blues rock. Robert Johnson could learn from front man Martin Trimble’s vitriolic delivery. The intensity is sultry and the anger is evident or perhaps he’s afraid someone will poison his whiskey? The rhythm work of bassist Glen Bartrup and James Irving coerce Trimbles guitar with a menacing intent that neither explodes nor wilts.

Moving in slow motion, Trimble wears an aloof lethargy like its in season, whilst Bartrups two step squat routine is strangely intriguing. There are no stops, no spiels just a constant potency that is Spiritualized meets the Moody Blues. Single ‘Why Don’t You Do It For Me’ innocently bounds around like the Andrex puppy, but doesn’t cease to hide the rabid lyrical bite.

They’ve got issues and they’ve got the blues, and despite going from princes to paupers, maybe, just maybe they’ll be kings.

Relevant sites:
http://www.22-20s.com/



Sherief Younis for Crud Magazine 2004©

October - December 2004- News Archive

10/04 22-20s Interview 10/04 22-20s Live - Forum, London 10/04 Art Brut, Ikara Colt, Electric Soft Parade - Live - Goldsmith's College, London 10/04 Biffy Clyro - Live - Camden Electric Ballroom, London 10/04 Black Velvets - Live - London Astoria 10/04 Delgados, Six By Seven - Live London Coco 10/04 Dizzee Rascal - Roadmender, Northampton 10/04 Hope of the States - Live - London Astoria 10/04 Read Yellow, Northampton Soundhaus 10/04 Sons and Daughters, University of London 10/04 The Others - Live - London Marquee 10/04 Top Ten Albums 2004 January 2001 July - August 2001 September - October 2001 November - December 2001 January - March 2002 April - July 2002 August - December 2002 January - March 2003 May - August 2003 November 2003 January - March 2004 April - September 2004 October - December 2004 January - March 2005 April - December 2005 January - August 2006 September - December 2006 January - September 2007 October - December 2007 January - May 2008 June-December 2008