NetRhythms May 2003 ( UK)

Radiotones: Live at the Howwood Inn, Renfrewshire

The Howwood Inn is an intimate venue in Renfrewshire, Scotland and this was, although I live quite local, my first visit. I couldn't have chosen a better time to break my duck.
Radiotones arrived, saw and conquered the small but enthusiastic crowd.
Frontman Dave Arcari growled and snarled his way through ninety minutes of gritty blues that kept the audience's attention throughout. Their set was an amalgam of songs from their first two albums and a couple of standards thrown in for good measure. Arcari has a good manner with the crowd and this set the scene for a good night.
The stage was possibly a bit on the small side for Dave as at one point he nearly impaled himself on a brass chandalier that was right above his head. Radiotones have added a drummer (see my review of Whiskey'd Up) and this has completed them. They gave a stunning performance and highlights were 'One Side Blind', 'Going To See The King' and 'Close To The Edge' although there wasn't a bad song in the set.
Harmonica by Jim Harcus was sublime and 'Big' Adrian Paterson (that should be his blues name) on bass was outstanding. If you haven't seen this band then search them out and pull up a Chesterfield (the Howwood Inn will know what I'm talking about).

David Blue