The 22-20s

Hype – the destroyer of hope, or the platform to the party? This week’s headline to next week’s obituary? Or a rise from the current hot rumour, to ‘legend of our time’? Whichever way early exposure may push a new band, their mythic origins are not usually found in Lincoln. Particularly when the root of the buzz is in a sound more in common with Chuck Berry and the blues than nice, white churches and a healthy farming community. But I must be missing the apparent link between the two, as there is evidence in 2003 that blues is living and breathing quite happily in the UK – being chaperoned and shown off around the country by this band, The 22-20s.

Forget the media hype, forget the A&R frenzy; The 22-20s pump out loud, dirty, exciting blues. Vocalist Martin Trimble manages to make himself and his Telecaster create a live sound that fills the packed 100 Club with ease and precision. Backed up by a rumbling rhythm section, their tunes are fast, gritty and loose. Trimble’s guitar flicks, licks and tricks provide a rugged layering for their furious attack on Muddy Waters' ‘King Bee’ and their current single ‘Such A Fool’. Barely uttering a word between songs, the band’s heads and hair are kept down during every merciless tune. As the three-piece leave the stage, following a muttered “thanks” from Trimble, and a set that seems to finish before it's even started, The 22-20s have done what they came to do; provided thirty minutes of excited, infectious rock n’ roll. As they enter the dressing room, you get the feeling these guys are musicians to the core – not just stylists with guitars, who merely help validate the retro-head’s next clothing purchase. Is the hype justified? – I couldn’t give a toss…could you? The three guys on stage tonight played their songs the way they were destined to be played – with power and passion. Then they all f**ked off home without saying a word.