The Groundhogs, Stray
London 100 Club
9th January, 2009

View: sat up front, stage-right

Both trios have never really gone away over the last 40 years, and the loyalty of their fans is as notable as the strength of their music. And for the double-header, both bands had pretty much equal stage time. Stray opened with a blend of hard rock with hints of prog and blues, punchy, with vocals from Del Bromham occasionally nodding to Robert Plant. After Houdini, the set covered songs new and old, including three tracks from the new Valhalla, including The Cult-like 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. Tony McPhee and his Groundhogs followed and featured material new and old. Split Pts. 1, 2 & 4 and Cherry Red are the classics no Groundhog gig can be without. And some excellent blues-rock solos (maybe too extended) followed, Tony’s pleasantly gravelly vocals leading the way. The 14-track set was followed by an impromptu encore of 3744 James Road, finishing off a thoroughly enjoyable evening.

Reviewed by Joe Geesin
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