ON THE ROAD
BOXER
Marquee
By Dave Laing
A FEW years back, London's Marquee Club was a stronghold
of Patto, one of the better experimental bands of the era. Last
Friday it was again packed to welcome Boxer which, like earlier bands,
features the fiery talent of singer Mike Patto and guitarist Ollie
Halsall. This was only the band's third gig, so there
were inevitably a few goofs. But as Patto and Halsall, ably
supported by Tony Newman (drums) and Keith Ellis (bass) got into their
stride, these were forgotten. 'All The Time In The World' and Terry
Stamp's 'Town Drunk' had them bouncing ideas off each other in a mounting
crescendo of sound, as each moved through keyboards and the rhythm section
took their solos. It was a far more confident performance
from Boxer than their first support gig a few weeks ago. Ollie
Halsall lived up to his reputation as probably the most imaginative
guitarist around, while Mike Patto projected the sharp and often witty
lyrics to great effect. As a heavy band that hits you in the head as
well as the guts, Boxer provide a much-needed addition to the current
scene. - DAVE LAING.
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