Cam Cole / The Gulls -
The Local Authority, Sheffield, Saturday 20th April, 2024
The openers, going by the name of The Gulls were a good ole Rock 'N' Roll three piece who lit the touch paper to what proved to be a vibrant fun-time energetic night of coolness. They were full-on and flowed really well and gave a big 'F*ck You' to the unwanted hierarchy in power... for now.... hahaha...
A daring outfit who have performed totally unauthorised outdoor concerts wherever they fancy regardless of what others think. The money raised goes to the 'The Trussell Trust for UK Food banks with a series of shows aptly named 'The Robin Hood Tour'. I suppose these gigs with the famous busker made a change for them since they were legit organised ones indoor.
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This travelling trio of wingless seabirds thoroughly entertained everyone with their old school blend of rock that was at times like going back to the 70's and 80's. Very much up-tempo positivity and enlightenment with songs like the humour of 'Rubber Ducky' (the new single) and other brilliant cuts like the bluesy grooving 'Circle' or the funk of 'Freedom'.
I love the fact that their debut album goes by the hilariously named 'Don't Feed The Gulls' and I reckon that a few copies got sold tonight after being such a spectacular support who made the most of what they had up there time-wise, gaining a new fan or two in the process.
 The Gulls - The Local Authority, Sheffield 20 04 2024 - Photograph 19 |  The Gulls - The Local Authority, Sheffield 20 04 2024 - Photograph 20 |
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I gotta say that their frontman reminded me of a late 60's / early 70's Paul McCartney look-wise with the Guitarist having the chops of a young Rory Gallagher and then some.... definitely am act I wouldn't hesitate to go and see again.
What a welcome return it is to get that phenomenon back in Steel City who is none other than Cam Cole. Since his last show in these parts has fired his style of industrial scuzzy blues all over various parts of the world.
This time though he has added two of his close buddies to the fold who dance, create bubbles and even play percussion instruments that fattens up the already healthy big sound. Hey we are even given mushrooms too before the musical proceedings even began... and before you ask, yes they were legal ones - hahaha!
The constantly touring sensation has a new album in tow as well that goes by the name of 'Unleash' - his third release which was highlighted tonight, not to mention a forthcoming documentary on both DVD and Blu-Ray called 'American Mileage' that covers his recent tour of the USA - especially the Deep South!
 Cam Cole - The Local Authority, Sheffield 20 04 2024 - Photograph 2 |  Cam Cole - The Local Authority, Sheffield 20 04 2024 - Photograph 4 |
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 Cam Cole - The Local Authority, Sheffield 20 04 2024 - Photograph 3 |  Cam Cole - The Local Authority, Sheffield 20 04 2024 - Photograph 1 |
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 Cam Cole - The Local Authority, Sheffield 20 04 2024 - Photograph 19 |  Cam Cole - The Local Authority, Sheffield 20 04 2024 - Photograph 20 |
The folk of Sheffield thoroughly enjoyed his worldly songs that were performed on various guitars, not to mention his trademark drum set-up that still comes with the horns with that paper cup that the soon to be legend sings through to create that extremely effective sharp and direct echo sound.
Photo-wise it was rather dark and could have done with way more night so you can see kit clearer - that fact made no impact to the atmosphere of the night and in a way added a more mysterious funky, dive bar vibe to the concert.
 Cam Cole - The Local Authority, Sheffield 20 04 2024 - Photograph 21 |  Cam Cole - The Local Authority, Sheffield 20 04 2024 - Photograph 22 |
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 Cam Cole - The Local Authority, Sheffield 20 04 2024 - Photograph 23 |  Cam Cole - The Local Authority, Sheffield 20 04 2024 - Photograph 24 |
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 Cam Cole - The Local Authority, Sheffield 20 04 2024 - Photograph 32 |  Cam Cole - The Local Authority, Sheffield 20 04 2024 - Photograph 31 |
 Cam Cole - The Local Authority, Sheffield 20 04 2024 - Photograph 33 |  Cam Cole - The Local Authority, Sheffield 20 04 2024 - Photograph 34 |
 Cam Cole - The Local Authority, Sheffield 20 04 2024 - Photograph 35 |  Cam Cole - The Local Authority, Sheffield 20 04 2024 - Photograph 36 |
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 Cam Cole - The Local Authority, Sheffield 20 04 2024 - Photograph 37 |
Mr. Cole and his guys have the place bouncing away and ensure that loads of folk come over to the merch booth to buy a CD or two and a T-shirt... it's a pretty safe bet that they will be back at some point if this show was anything to go on.
Words and Photos by Glenn Milligan