Back to Camden for Path fans, this time at Tommy Flynns and on a large bill. Going on late at night can mean lots of things to a young band, usually the crowd is well bladdered and can be difficult,can be indifferent or as in this case appreciative of a hard working band delighted to play their own songs on stage. Seldom have we seen lead singer Josh so animated ” he was like a whirling dervish!” remarked pub regular Elaine Durack, adding ” he got us all singing and clapping” The band were even audacious enough to air a new song ” Tequilla Dreams”that had only been written that week.
If you like your music loud but listenable, if you want to dance,stamp your feet and revel in guitar based rock played with the enthusiam only a band that really enjoys themselves can convey , then you need to experience Critical Path.
Going to Walthamstow on a Thursday night from the other side of London is not normally something to get excited about, but this is not so if you follow Critical Path. Taking full advantage of a large stage and top quality sound the band were on top form, playing to the loyal Path following and winning a few more admirers, not least from the headline act Virginia Slimt. Yes, The Standard in Walthamstow has seen better days but it can still attract decent bands and decent young bands at that!
Saturday 19th April.
Fans of Critical Path couldn’t beleive their luck at a packed Green Room last Saturday as the band surely played their finest gig. The two opening acts, Bomb Dog and Pirate Radio whipped up the crowd which included V.I.Ps from Chiltern FM. Such was the quality of these bands that Path fans’ expectations were sky high and you could sense something special was about to happen. With headlining a gig comes extra responsibility and some bands are known to wilt under this pressure, but not Critical Path. Opening up with a top quality “So Blind” sung so full of venom and malice it seemed as if singer Josh Woodhouse had a secret he was getting off his chest. More memorable songs followed such as ”Same Mistakes” played with such force and conviction it sounded like a new tune! With the VIPs listening intently and moving closer to the stage the band rocked like they have never done before. It was almost as if they had something to prove and even though they played through their entire repetoire and covered a superb version of Eagle Eye Cherrys’ “Save Tonight”, the crowd still yelled for more. Hope and Anchor next Saturday and an album coming out soon, this is a band who can perform in a studio, but are great live.
Saturday the 12th April saw Critical Path making their debut beyond the Watford Gap! “The Studio” in Peter Street, Central Manchester is a recognised ”hot spot” for new unsigned talent. Playing to a packed house of Manchester university students, and some familiar faces from down south! The band played a storming set to get the party going before the Headline act came on. Celebrations continued long into Sunday morning after it emerged they had sold almost as many tickets as the Headliners and been offered a gig at Manchester’s Academy 3 by the promoter. Well done boys! Down South next!!
Recent cancellations and changes to previously advertised dates mean the band are currently awaiting confirmation of all the gigs booked for this summer season. Arrangements are in hand to play gigs in Manchester and Brighton this summer as well as the usual London haunts! A full and regularly updated list will be posted ASAP. We hope to see all the usual suspects and some new faces this summer.
P.S. Album out this spring/summer!!!!!!
Just under two years ago four fresh faced boys played their first live gig to a paying audience at The Green Room, Welwyn Garden City. On Saturday 2nd February 2008 they returned as seasoned performers. Now regulars on the famous London unsigned circuit, Critical Path showed us what they have learnt and provided their audience of faithful fans with a high octane performance of solid drum and bass and furious guitar topped off with powerful vocals. “They just get better every time I see them” one reveller said. Look out for new gig listings and don’t miss a great night out!