12/7/2010 Danko Jones @ the Water Rats

Subject	Danko Jones @ the Water Rats
PostedDate	7/12/2010
	I couldn't believe it when I found out Canadian outfit Danko Jones was playing a venue as small as the Water Rats, so I bought a ticket sharpish before it sold out! Usually they play at venues the size of the Garage. Apparently the UK promoters weren't interested this time round - hence this intimate gig.  They must be crazy - I've never been to a Danko Jones show that hasn't easily sold out at much larger venues. Needless to say, it was a hot, packed, and sweaty gig - but I think better than the band's last London show at Hoxton Bar & Kitchen. I'm glad to say Danko himself spent a bit less time talking and a bit more time playing this time. Although his rants can be entertaining, I paid for a ticket to hear him playing rock 'n' roll - not talking! As ever, this was a high powered ROCK show - I'd go so far as to say you won't see a more powerful and dynamic 'Power Trio' anywhere!  This band rock seriously hard for over an hour - no slow songs, no 'acoustic' segments, no power ballads - just high voltage rock 'n' roll all the way!  My only criticism would be that they could have played for longer as they have five full studio albums under their belts - plus some earlier EPs which appeared on the (highly recommended) 'I'm Alive And On Fire' compilation. There was a fair selection of material, from the band's past albums up to the latest 'Below The Belt' with the 'Born A Lion' (most people would say their best) album being more heavily featured - they can't really not play 'Lovercall' with that bassline!  The 'Mountain Song' which hasn't (and never will) appear on any album is always a highlight, and the roll call of late metal/blues/soul/rock 'n' roll heroes has now has Ronnie James Dio added - to thunderous applause!  And they played 'Cadillac' - so I went home happy!