If Durand Jones and the Indications were from the Black Country rather than Bloomington, Indiana I like to think they’d adopt the old Banks’s Brewery motto – “Unspoilt By Progress.”
Although all the material the band perform is their own (apart from a joyous interpretation of Bowie's 'Young Americans') their sound is unashamedly rooted in classic soul music circa 1974.
Durand himself hints at James Brown in his gyrations and Marvin Gaye with his voice, all of which adds up to great showman and a brilliant singer.
He even throws in a mid-set costume change for good measure, transforming from smart three quarter length hacking jacket and beanie hat to a polo shirt and cape combo, offset by a jaunty fedora.
Jones vocals are augmented by Aaron Frazer whose sweet falsetto takes the lead on about a third of the tracks, and remains remarkably untroubled by the vigour of his drumming.
This is the third time I’ve seen the band now – once for each of their albums – and there’s a fair balance here between classics like ‘Is it Any Wonder’ and the funkier newbie ‘Witchoo’ which closes the set.
Their most recent release ‘Private Space’ is at the smoother end of their sound spectrum, and while I personally prefer some of the grittier social commentary of their previous release ‘American Love Call’ the rammed crowd at The Institute didn’t seem to mind, giving the band a rousing and richly deserved reception.
Although all the material the band perform is their own (apart from a joyous interpretation of Bowie's 'Young Americans') their sound is unashamedly rooted in classic soul music circa 1974.
Durand himself hints at James Brown in his gyrations and Marvin Gaye with his voice, all of which adds up to great showman and a brilliant singer.
He even throws in a mid-set costume change for good measure, transforming from smart three quarter length hacking jacket and beanie hat to a polo shirt and cape combo, offset by a jaunty fedora.
Jones vocals are augmented by Aaron Frazer whose sweet falsetto takes the lead on about a third of the tracks, and remains remarkably untroubled by the vigour of his drumming.
This is the third time I’ve seen the band now – once for each of their albums – and there’s a fair balance here between classics like ‘Is it Any Wonder’ and the funkier newbie ‘Witchoo’ which closes the set.
Their most recent release ‘Private Space’ is at the smoother end of their sound spectrum, and while I personally prefer some of the grittier social commentary of their previous release ‘American Love Call’ the rammed crowd at The Institute didn’t seem to mind, giving the band a rousing and richly deserved reception.
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