Originally published by L.S. Media. February 14th 2009.

With the prospect of playing at a fairly new venue in an otherwise untouched part of the world, some established bands would baulk at the idea of playing the first proper night of a tour anywhere but the usual haunts.

Hugh Cornwell has always been one to defy convention and it’s always refreshing when he does, because otherwise the fans and interested parties would have missed out on a truly exceptional venue which should go on to be one of the best gig locations in the north-west.

To celebrate the new album’s title, Hugh came on stage at the end of Eric Coates famous Dam Busters theme which evoked memories of backs against the walls and going out to prove that something could be done, even when certain sceptics would wish it to fail.

The first part of the night was solely dedicated to Hugh’s new album Hoover Dam, which for a while last year was available free as a download via Hugh’s web site. This courageous and brave act has been done by other musicians, but not to the same critical appreciation. By giving away his album free to the fans it seemed to unlock another part of his creativity as he was not hampered by the worry of record sales via the usual outlets.

In fairness to Hugh it is a stunning piece of work with some very well observed and witty lyrics and an absolute joy to listen to live, especially with the impressive Caroline Campbell giving a workman like performance on bass guitar.

Stand out tracks from the first set were Delightful Nightmare, Banging on at the Same Old Beat, the incredible The Pleasure of your Company and the song that has had the residents of a sleepy Wiltshire town up in arms Please don’t put me on a slow boat to Trowbridge.

After a short break Hugh returned and played some of the more recognisable and loved songs from a career that stretches back well over three decades both as a solo artist of considerable note and as the former front man with one of Punk Rock’s most Iconic bands The Stranglers.

Hugh seemed hungry to give an even bigger performance in the second half as his guitar work went into overdrive as he played Black Hair, Black Eyes, Black Suit, and a first class rendition of Lay Back on me Pal from the 2000 release album Hi-Fi before going full swing into the ever stunning Golden Brown and the irreplaceable and firm fan favourite No More Heroes and Always the Sun.

After teasing the audience at the end of the second set, in which he left the audience hanging for a while he came back on to do encores which included an airing for the classic Stranglers song Down in the Sewer which really showcased Caroline Campbell to the extent that you would think she had been around for longer than her years suggest.

This was an absolute joy of a gig to watch and witness. And it must be said, full marks to the people at The Brindley who put the gig on, a venue to surely go places.