Philzone.org - Philzone Phansite Community Discussion Board: Setlists and Reviews: Non GD Related Reviews: Archive: Ollabelle, GAMH, 9/6/07

Just a few quick thoughts, as it was a quick show. Far too short, although maybe not--it wasn't the best ever.

The band was okay, but I certainly got the feeling that some of them were new to their instruments. I was surprised to see that Amy Helm couldn't play without looking at the fret board. I was also surprised that she barely played, at least half the songs she sang and didn't play her mando?

I haven't heard their album but I believe the show pretty much copied the album, same songs, no jamming. The show was done and over by 10:30, that's including the encore, and I think they started around 9:30. That's weak.

The highlight of the night was their cover of Brokedown Palace, Amy has a nice voice if you're into that sorta thing, I'm not, she was a bit to sharp for me but when they all sang together, they blended nicely.

They did a bunch of other covers, so I'm not really understanding why they don't do a longer set? The crowd was pumped and they got a huge round of applause at the end of the night, so again, why not a longer set?

The sometimes bass player was also the sometimes lap steel player, I would have liked more lap steel. The drummer was full of energy, he would have played all night--It felt like he wanted to play with a dance band, he was uptempo and speedy, while the rest of the band--not so much.

I dunno, give 'em a couple years to get some more songs and experience under their belt and they could have something. Hone their sound more, instead they were all over the map--a celtic feel, a ballad feel, a blues feel, a rock and roll feel, all okay choices but jumping from one to another every four minutes made for a disjointed show. There was no groove established...and when they came close, it abruptly ended.

Another non-highlight, David Gans sat in for a song. At least it was short.

I hope to give Ollabelle a better review a couple years from now. I think they've got it in 'em, they just need to figure it out.

I was there, saw the whole show, enjoyed it quite a bit

Glad you were able to use them free tix you won. Sounds like you took a break from the move in. Just a thought: perhaps you're move affected your perception of the show. Perhaps not. Either way, you're honest and sincere review is appreciated. Thanks!

something told me you would go to the show instead of unpack!
nice review. just bought riverside battle songs and feel the same way about the disc as you said here--->instead they were all over the map--a celtic feel, a ballad feel, a blues feel, a rock and roll feel,

though i like a couple of the songs quite a bit, some of the others aren't quite doing it for me!

Not my fave. No point in pissing on anyone's cornflakes except to say the only solos were played by the keys and there were not exceptional at all i.e. tweaked out, synthesized solo during the slow Brokedown Palace just did not work for me.

p.s. Btw, I got their pretty late so I may have missed some of the better moments.