The Suicide Notes - Apr 23 Having spent the previous night at Shepherd’s Bush Empire for the Vive Le Rock Awards 2023 (watching the likes of The Cockney Rejects, The Neville Staple Band and for one night only, a Michael Monroe fronted Lords of the New Church), tonight was calling for something much more low key. So it’s back at my favourite basement venue, Aces n Eights in Tufnell Park for a night for an acoustic performance by trash rockers, The Suicide Notes.

The Suicide Notes live are a tour de force with singer Billy T’s debauched performances echoing the likes of Iggy Pop and Lux Interior. Would a seated and drummer less band be able to pull off a performance to match those heady heights? The night has already sold out so the audience are certainly hoping so.

Aces regular Boss Caine opens the night with his americana infused roots music. Last month I saw him supporting Alejandro Escovedo and the Rant Band at the majestic Bush Hall where he was equally at home as he is here in his spiritual home. Dan’s voice is in fine form as his whisky and cigarettes infused baritone vocal enthrals the room whilst his intricate guitar playing beguiles us. The set list has been mixed up a bit but as always contains those dark soulful tales that we have come to love.

Boss Caine - Apr 23 Rich Ragany is another artist who is just as comfortable playing those big stages as he is stuck in the corner of Aces n Eight’s basement. Rags has been a stalwart on the London scene for nearly two decades and built up a solid reputation both live and on record with Role Models.

His current band, Rich Ragany and the Digressions, have just released their third album and it is already a contender for my album of the year list. Mixing the sonic sounds of the Stooges and the Heartbreakers with the lyrical input of Tom Petty and Steve Earle, it is a triumph of styles and highlights a band at its most confident.

Tonight, the band is absent and Rags is relying on his own irascible personality and the strengths of the songs themselves to carry the set.

Rich Ragany - Apr 23 Opening with Role Models ‘(I Broke My Back) Disappointing You’ and the Digressions ‘Little Let Down’, Rags sets out his stall for a night celebrating his extensive back catalogue. Rags is a gifted songwriter and even when his songs cover sadder topics there is always an uplifting chorus to raise your spirits. As a result, songs such as ‘Beyond Nostalgia and Heartache’ become even more memorable. The latest Digressions album is represented by a stripped down ‘Pretty Breeze’ and a much subdued ‘One Last Thing to Prove’. Even without the full band treatment the songs still rock. 

Finishing with a very welcome rendition of Role Models ‘Leave Tonight’, Rags has put in another fine performance.

Rich Ragany - Apr 23 The Suicide Notes are in transition as livewire drummer Gavin has departed to concentrate on other musical projects. At the same time, guitarist Alex is recovering from a back operation so tonight would be a much more subdued event than normal. Opening with ‘Take A Bullet for Me’ this is a much relaxed band and Billy is able to breath more life into the songs without the normal kinetic aspects of his performance. Draped over his mike stand for much of the set with his hat forever hiding his eyes from public gaze he rasps through the songs like a degenerate lounge singer.  

The Suicide Notes - Apr 23

‘Black Dog Howling’ is turned from a riff heavy stomp into a gentler sonic assault. Behind Billy, the band produce a laid back groove that matches the drape heavy décor of the venue. The Stonesy feel of ‘Momma Sang the Blues’ wears its influences clearly whilst on ‘Ragdoll’, Billy is joined by the enchanting voice of Kate Holmes to raise the song to another level. ‘Snake Grin Within’ and ‘On the Rocks’ follow before the band’s signature tune ‘Smoke it like a Cigarette’ has the crowd singing along. Rags is back to accompany the band on their heartfelt version of the Stones ‘Dead Flowers’.  As always, the song is dedicated to those we have lost and in particular Darrell Bath who played Aces a number of times and frequently played the song himself.

The Suicide Notes - Apr 23 Concluding with ‘Billy Two Rivers’, this has been a highly enjoyable set. The songs are less frenetic but still retain that sozzled smoke filled bar room feel to then. The band have clearly enjoyed themselves and I look forward to see how they take this type of performance forward once their new drummer is on board.

The Suicide Notes - Apr 23