The Eighteenth Day of May @ The Windmill, Brixton 14th January 2006

Tonight a small corner of Brixton has become the Grand Ole Opry for the 6th edition of the Acid Country All-Dayer event. The F-word might be regarded with derision in the NME circles, but tonight it is the Bible.
In what may have looked like a normal Saturday night in Nashville, with a colourful display of cowboy hats, shirts and boots, I witnessed my first Eighteenth Day of May’s gig.
2005 has been a good year for this band, who has seen the release of its homonymous debut album in October accompanied by rave reviews.
‘Revivalists’ The Eighteenth Day of May are called and indeed they are. If a love for folk and the Sixties could be easily spotted from the haircuts, the moustache and the attire of the band members, the music leaves no further doubts on this. However, be aware! Of revival we are talking, but with a modern, captivating twist.
The band opens the gig with ‘Lady Margaret’, a ballad of medieval inspiration with a interesting electric finale, beautifully rendered by the soft, sweet voice of singer Alison Brice. The single ‘Sir Casey Jones’ re-explores the 1960s country psychedelic pop path crossed by the Brian Jonestown Massacre, with a feet stomping jangle harmonic crescendo.
‘Deed I do’, falls on softer notes to create a magic and relaxed atmosphere, with the gentle sound of the viola that from the background slowly takes central stage, leading to the end of the song.
The band is charming and easily conquers the audience with jokes and cheeky begs by the drummer for a free drink. The fascinating ‘Eighteen Days’ closes the gig with a sad folk psychedelic lullaby, on a ‘Sergeant Pepper’s -meets –The Fairport Convention’ note.

The gig is over, the excitement still great. I think I am going to the bar. The Eighteenth Day of May deserve a drink after all.

Elisabetta P.