The Jerzey Street Band have been tipped for great things for a few months now by those in the know on the Manchester live circuit , but this was London’s first opportunity to see and hear what all the fuss is about and the ‘Jerzey Boys’ did not disappoint the packed Water Rats crowd.

From the opening bars of Pale Blue River, to the anthemic song of the new single Wasting Time, David Wrobel along with his Brother Neil led the band through a musical journey that had the crowd literally shouting for more! A journey that took them on a road travelled by the likes of the legendary Bruce Springsteen and Steve Earle along with a blend of The Eagles and The Rolling Stones not to mention touches of Ryan Adams and Counting Crows .

Being a huge Steve Earle fan myself, the tracks the Jerzey Street Band performed, especially the likes of Give The Rivers Back To The Rain, would not be out of place on his seminal late 80s classic Copperhead Road. But more importantly it was the ease the band took us all down that road that really impressed. Powering home their Americana tinged sound in the compact environment of the Water Rats, as if they were about to play to two thousand people, was both intimate yet truly enthralling.

The swift seven song set left everyone wanting more, in the same way as one shot of Jack Daniels only makes you want that second. As the final chords of the wonderful Cold Feet resonated around the venue, it was clear from the crowd’s reaction that everyone will be back for more, and as well as one assumes, London and student unions across the country will be getting to know the brothers Wrobel and the Jerzey Street Band very well indeed in the next few months.

Talu Famedo

See for yourself how good there are at their next gig - 229 Club Great Portland Street London on Friday 8th April