JARED JAMES NICHOLS / DEWOLFF / DOOMSDAY OUTLAW - The Dome, Tufnell Park, London - Thursday 12th October2023

There’s a bit of a delay getting the doors open this evening, which means we don’t have to wait long to wait for Sheffield rockers Doomsday Outlaw to get things underway. ‘In Too Deep’ from recent album ‘Damaged Goods’ provides a solid introduction to the foot-stomping, hard-riffing blues rock that follows. ‘If This is the End’ is a little more laid-back, the space allowing Phil Poole’s soulful vocals to really shine. And though he tells us that ‘One More Sip’ was written at a time where he felt incredibly depressed, it could be mistaken for a party song, the upbeat melody at odds with the lyrics. Driven by a particularly tight rhythm section, and radiating an infectious energy, Doomsday Outlaw are a band to catch when they’re passing through your town. 

I recently read DeWolff described as ‘raw, psychedelic southern rock’, and whilst that’s accurate, it’s not nearly exciting enough to convey the sheer joy of witnessing this Netherlands trio in action. Gloriously retro in presentation and sound, from their spectacular embroidered suits (complete with flared trousers), to the Hammond organ that dominates the elegantly beautiful ‘Will O’ the Wisp’, the brothers van de Poel (and not forgetting Hammond maestro Robin Pizo!) are bringing back the kind of classy, expansive rock that wouldn’t have been out of place in the 70s. 

Opening with the jubilant ‘Night Train’, it’s clear that we’re witnessing something special; vocalist Pablo is a true showman, endlessly watchable and conjuring incredible sounds from his guitar. ‘Treasure City Moonchild’ follows, an opportunity for drummer Luka to show off not only his percussive prowess but also a talent for scat singing. When Pablo asks us if we’re excited to see Jared James Nichols, someone shouts, “you’re better!” And another chimes in with, “we’re here to see you!” Such is the reaction generated by a band who seem so wonderfully out of step with what’s popular. And if you’re expecting the last song to be something concise, or catchy, think again because DeWolff launch into the sprawling, fifteen-minute epic ‘Rosita’, which takes in everything from blissful vocal harmonies, to a wonderful call and response with the audience, to frontman Pablo spending some time in the crowd. Like nothing else I have ever seen, DeWolff have my attention and will likely have some of my money over the coming weeks as I endeavour to purchase the entire back catalogue. 

If you’ve ever been lucky enough to witness Jared James Nichols live, you’ll know that he’s the sort of rare guitarist who plays like the Les Paul is somehow wired into his soul. Famously eschewing a plectrum, Nichols has a technique entirely his own and seems energised tonight as part of his revamped power trio. Now accompanied by bassist Louis Collins and drummer Ryan Rice, the trio tear into ‘Easy Come, Easy Go’, a muscular rocker from Nichols’ self-titled album released early this year. Unsurprisingly, it’s this album that dominates the set, and sounds much stronger here than can ever be conveyed by the studio versions. ‘My Delusion’ crackles with greater aggression and ‘Down the Train’ sounds like the hit it deserves to be. 

Nichols is incredibly likeable, smiling freely and engaging with the crowd. He even humours someone who shouts for ‘Freebird’, playing the first few bars before admitting that “he’s just messing”. Of course, his guitar playing is something to behold, at times full of fire and attack, at others stripped back to something so delicate that he has to ask us to “shhh” so that we can make out the subtle picking. He can do heavy, as with the crunch of ‘Bad Roots’, but also funky; ‘Honey Forgive Me’ in particular bouncing on a wonderful groove. 

Sadly, with a train to catch, I’m forced to leave early which means I miss the last four songs on the set list. For me, the bluesy ‘Shadow Dancer’ marks the end of the evening. But I leave with the sound of Jared’s distinctive blues power ringing in my ears and a sense that rock is very much alive and well. For £15, it’s unbelievable that this gig isn’t a sell out; support live music where you can and give up and coming artists a chance - you might just discover your new favourite band.