Festival favourites Black Water County kicked up a storm on the first night of their tour with a big, loud and riotous performance. Playing to a sold-out audience in Guildford, the punk/folk six-piece led by dual lead vocalists Shannon Byrom and Tim Harris delivered a show packed with energy, skill and passion. 

“I require you to jump. Are you ready?” said singer Harris partway through the opening number. Many obliged and the enthusiasm of the fans at the front cascaded through the venue. From the get go the band steamrollered the audience into enjoyment compliance. This is fun music and a good time is guaranteed with this outfit, which excels in a live environment. 

There Will Be A Day was a mixture of rock’n’roll, punk and Irish banjo folk. Sir Terry Cool, the band’s take on politicians, was reminscent of early Blondie. Darkest Days was dedicated to ‘whatever got you through the past couple of years’ and Rise and Fall wouldn’t feel out of place in a Dropkick Murphy‘s set. One More Beer is a good move when you see this lot. Track of the night was Under Skies of Black And Blue which had great vocals, frenetic banjo and tin whistle to boot. 

With high skilled musicianship this is high octane, controlled bedlam. Frenetic. Compelling. Magnificent. 

Catch the band on tour for the next few weeks. 

This gig was a jasta11 production who arrange lots of great shows in the Guildford/Alton area of Surrey and Hampshire.