His Lordship / The Bodega / Nottingham

Nov 18

Nov 18 His Lordship / The Bodega / Nottingham

We’re back at one of our favourite grass roots music venues, the brilliant Bodega in Nottingham tonight to see His Lordship on their 2023 tour.

Venue staff tell me there’s a good crowd expected in tonight which is brilliant for a Tuesday night. I get a spot at the front of the stage ready for tonights support, from Kitty Liv.

You may know Kitty Liv as part of Kitty, Daisy & Lewis, three siblings that took the world by storm with their wonderful mix of R&B, blues, soul, punk, and good ol’ rock ‘n roll. I had seen Kitty about a year before supporting Beans on Toast. Kitty performs with her electric guitar and mouthorgan and exudes confidence on stage, and delivers a fantastic half hour set.

Highlights for me, were I’ve Got My Neck On The Line a song which Kitty tells us is about those people around us that can’t decide about shit (love it LOL) and I’m Coming Up a song abut falling in love whilst on drugs.

Between every song, Kitty engages with the audience, at one point, pointing out to the audience I was all alone at the front, encouraging everyone to move forwards, which they didn’t ! I their loss I guess…. as Kitty said “moving on swiftly….” lol announcing the next song was called Lately a song about a really crappy boyfriend. Engaging with the crowd again, she asks us to join in with shouts of “Woah” which we enthusiastically join in.

Kitty played one of my favourite tracks with a delightful rendition of The River That Flows a stunning blues like number about letting go when you feel out of control and going with the flow. It really showcases her wonderful vocals.

Closing out the set is Keep Your Head Up High, an acapella number which is so powerful considering it’s simplicity. Picking up the mouthorgan again the tracks quickens and ends in a crescendo of noise. Everyone is clapping now and no surprise, yet again Kitty Liv has excelled !

As the stage is finished off ready for His Lordship, the crowd is now packed round me at the front ready for the main act. His Lordship is the brainchild of James Walbourne (guitarist for The Pretenders and the Pogues amongst others) and Kristoffer Sonne on drums who has played with Chrissie Hynde and Willie Nelson and they are joined by bass player Dave Page. Together they play an explosive, fast paced rock and roll.

They only recently released their latest single Jackie Works For The NHS and are now working on their self-titled debut album which is due to be released in January 2024.

Hitting the stage in black suits and ties and white shirts it has that Men in Black / Blues Brothers feel (without the hats lol) and creates a great image on stage as they dive right into the (appropriately named All Cranked Up which sets the scene perfectly with it’s punk-like intensity, and energetic delivery. Filled with energy its edgy and has the crowd pumped right up from the get-go.

I loved the catchily titled I’m Bored of Being Bored before they introduce the next track Jackie Works for the NHS with a heart felt speech about the state of affairs currently (lets face it… the Tories !)

Already James is dripping on guitar from his energetic performance on the small stage, and the effort from the fast and furious riffs he’s banging out from his Fender Strat.

The set included a couple of great covers with a glorious version of Link Wray’s 1963 Run Chicken Run along with their version of Jack Scott’s 1958 classic The Way I Walk. Both were delivered with emotion and power…. Thoroughly enjoyable.

Kristoffer had now dispensed with the jacket (no surprise) and came out from behind the drums to be replaced by Dave to deliver the vocals for My Brother Is Any Only Child. Well, actually, when I say he came out from behind his drums, I meant to say he climbed up on the bass drum swinging the mic and entertaining the crowd! It was as if Kristoffer was going to outshine James with his stage antics. It was close, maybe a tie !

Perhaps my favourite track in the set (a tough call) was the brilliant I Live In The City taken from their “All Cranked Up” which had a brilliant 50’s rock and roll power to it.

The time just flew by, the pace was relentless from start to finish, and the energy levels right off the chart. Their sound is quite unique, firmly rock ‘n roll but with so many influences noticeable, with surf, Elvis, punk and blues noticeable. What is clear, is their musical ability which is second to none.

Kitty Liv was fantastic again, and I’d recommend you take any opportunity to see her sing. As for His Lordship ? They totally deserve the praise they are getting. I can’t wait for the debut album, and my next opportunity to see them live.

Setlist

All Cranked Up

Joy Boy

I'm So Bored Of Being Bored

Jackie Works For The NHS

Rock Fall Echo Dust

Lonely Saturday Night

Pixelated Polly

Run Chicken Run (Link Wray cover)

The Way I Walk (Jack Scott cover)

Buzzkill

The Repenter