Who’s Got the Funk?

Back room of Sutton-in-Ashfields Denman’s Head, available for hire with wheelchair access, invites for everyone and free on the door. The place is packed; the bar too full and all but the audacious are thirsty and impatient. Royal Gala have a reputation for a genre defying cocktail of Dirty Funk, Ska, Reggae/Dub, Breakbeat, Balkan beat and Brass laden orchestral grooves. Having recently worked with Lost Vagueness, Neville Staples of The Specials, Love Grocer (Zion Train) and Manchesters mighty Unabombers they are back on home terretory for a one night monster funk/dub feast.

So who’s got the funk? The funks right here and the nine piece crank into action and start to turn the screws. The impressive rhythm section stay true to the loop and hold together an impressive groove which is painted by synth and fx, guitar and the pure beauty of tenor and alto saxophones, trumpet and trombone.

Looking akin to a demonic young Elvis the trombonist leads the section and helps keep the beat by slamming the slide against the strut of his instrument – Clack, clack clack to wicked dance rhythms as massive orchestral swells rise and fall into driving riffs from Morricone inspired arrangements giving the feel of a theme tune to a spaghetti western backed by a dirty breakbeat.

Frontwoman Louise Barnell who shows elements of Joplin, Poly Styrene, Debbie Harry, the showbiz glitz of Bassey with a soulful squeal of Betty Davis spends most of the set singing from the dancefloor. Whether preference or forced seems irrelevant as the beats stomp, guitars clang, syths bleep and whirl whilst the brass keeps pushing home the hooks.

Royal Gala blend hot-steppin’ ska with hard-hitting soul and percussive loops to create a non-pretentious hybrid which could start a revolution. The moon is fat and the stars are bright so put on your dancing shoes and take the trip. You’ll still be dancing come sunrise expecting Clint Eastwood to come kick down your door.

For more information go to http://www.myspace.com/royalgalaband