By Guy Marcham, Music Sub-Editor
'Tailored in razor sharp suits and immense rock 'n' roll bravado', Guy Marcham reviews Baxter Dury at SWX
Commentators have always been quick to highlight the looming presence of Baxter Dury's father, a certain Ian Dury from 1970s rock act, The Blockheads. Baxter is often placed in the shadow of his father by music critics and other musical commentators. Yet, when I first became aware of Baxter Dury and his musical output, I had no prior knowledge of his father's successful musical past. From a fresh pair of eyes, Baxter Dury embodied a unique style of groovy baselines and wry lyricism. A style that's amplified and made even more infectiously cool when performed live.
Dury opened proceedings with 'Isabel' off his 2011 album, Happy Soup. The track's haunting synths and urgent baseline immediately oozes with an undeniable sense of swagger. An atmosphere that is maintained throughout the entire evening. During the early stages of his set, Dury plays a heavy handful of tracks of his 2011 album, including 'Happy Soup', 'Trellic' and 'Picnic on The Edge'. The latter jolts with an uncontrollable punk rock energy, as Dury's often nonchalant spoken vocal turns into a Sleaford Mods-esque shout.
Particular highlights from Dury's fast paced and high-octane show come from the selection of songs played from Dury's latest and best album, 2017's Prince of Tears. The comical 'Miami' saw Dury announce himself as 'the sausage man' in his trademark London accent, a line that has grown to cult-status amongst his fans. Tracks such as 'Oi' and 'Porcelain' even saw Dury embrace his role as the enigmatic and cocksure frontman, cutting peculiar shapes and opening his hands out to the audience in traditional rock star style.
Dury finishes his explosive set with the driving melancholy piano of 'Prince of Tears'. The track saw Dury indulge in a darker side to his music, contrasting with the cocky and rock 'n' roll persona he so often projects. Dury then leaves the stage to a rippling swirl of strings, synths and the hushed tone of his two female backing singers, echoing the line 'everybody loves to say goodbye'. A fitting end to a gig that showcased Dury forging his own musical path, slowly curating a legacy of his own without the looming shadow of his father. It certainly was a pleasure.
Featured Image: Guy Marcham/ Epigram
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