THE WOMBATS AND BARNS COURTNEY

Mark Nussbaum, Keith Mahler and the crew at Premier Concerts constantly promote amazing shows throughout Connecticut. The Wombats /Barns Courtney show at College Street Music Hall in New Haven was no exception.

When Barns Courtney hit the stage I was not sure what to expect. I knew a few of his songs and since my daughters are huge fans, a little about his life (see his interview on this site). The moment he hit the stage I was thrilled. He was a human dynamo. Through out his set he scrambled everywhere. If Luke Spiller of The Struts and Courtney were properly wired they could power up half of London.

He opened with “Fun Never Ends” and immediately captivated the audience. His powerful persona commanded the crowd to sway to his every note. “London Girls” and “99” came next and again he was a whirlwind. By the time he hit the first notes of “Glitter & Gold” everyone was ecstatic. The song was perfect. A rousing rendition of his first hit.

 

 

When Courtney got to his last tune, “Fire”, the room was ablaze. His energy was contagious. The audience was ecstatic. He was drenched with sweat and seemed to enjoy every minute he was on stage. Courtney’s show was a gem. 

The Wombats are a three piece electronic influenced English indie pop band who released their fourth album, Beautiful People Will Ruin Your Life, earlier this year. The band consists of Vocalist/Guitarist Matthew Murphy, Norwegian Bassist Tord Overland-Knudsen and Drummer Dan Haggis.

The Wombats started off with “Cheetah Tongue” from Beautiful People. The playful tune with a bouncy backbeat set the tone for The Wombats’ entire set. “Give Me A Try” , one of their hits from Glitterbug, came next. Matthew Murphy’s vocal was in high form. Knudsen was lively and his bass totally in tune with Haggis’ steady percussions.  As the song progressed the room bounced to every wonderful inflection.

 

Their entire show was an upbeat party. “White Eyes” and “Techno Fan”  kept everyone on groove. When The Wombats got to “Lemon to a Knife Fight”, their huge hit, College Street went wild. Closing with “Tokyo (Vampires and Wolves)” and “Lets Dance to Joy Division” was the ideal ending. The crowd was spent.

The Wombats didn’t stop there. The encore kept the flame lit. An acoustic version of “Lethal Combination” followed by “Turn” and “Greek Tragedy”.  

 Barns Courtney was spectacular. The Wombats were extraordinary. The night a complete success.

 

 

 

 

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