What A Great Craic!

Biblecode Sundays go down a storm

Ealing hasn't seen the like for a while - or perhaps I just don't get out enough and the place is buzzing like this every weekend. Somehow I doubt it.

Irish rockers the Biblecode Sundays (formerly Slàinte ) played the Rose and Crown in South Ealing last Saturday (25th September) - I don't think this quiet back street pub knew what had hit it.

The minute they started I knew I would love them - me and a packed room full of 40th birthday celebrants.

Reminding me of a cleaner cut version of the Pogues they opened with an Irish reel and immediately won us all over and just continued to get better all night.

Traditional is at the very heart of this group and music in their blood. Charismatic front man Ronan MacManus the son of Ross MacManus, (who achieved fame with the Joe Loss orchestra) is also the brother of Declan, better known as Elvis Costello.

Andy Nolan - terrific on the accordion - played with Shane MacGowan and the Popes. Drummer Carlton Hunt is from ska outfit Bad Manners, and bass player, Enda Mulloy, is the son of Tom Mulloy of the legendary Mulloy brothers. Patrick Franklin on fiddle was exceptional and a key element to their great sound.

The band are used to playing far bigger gigs like Shepherds Bush Empire and squeezing onto the tiny stage at the Rose and Crown must have been something of a challenge - but they made it look easy - a sure sign of true professionals.

The music is lively, fun and impossible not to dance to - by the end of the night the bar was packed and everyone was on their feet.

The Bible Code Sundays are simply fab - check them for yourself - you won't regret it!

Nb. You can catch Ronan doing a solo set at the Rose and Crown on October 26th @ 7pm

Annemarie Flanagan

29 September 2010