Live Review: The Inspector Cluzo - The Exchange, Bristol
20th February 2020
Review and photos by Paul Hutchings
If you approach music with a broad mind, chances are you’ll always get into gigs early doors to see who the support band is. If you were one of those who caught Clutch on their recent UK tour, then you may well have taken in the rock blues of Gascon duo The Inspector Cluzo. If you’ve read my review of their most recent release, ‘Brothers in Ideals’, or my interview with the band earlier this year you’ll have sufficient history about them. If you haven’t, well not to worry. Here’s a quick recap. The band have been together for over a decade as The Inspector Cluzo, they are self-sufficient organic farmers who run their own geese farm at Lon Casse, Mont de Marson who are also self-financing and self-managing. They’ve also played over 1000 gigs in 65 countries and have a reputation for raucous crazy antics on stage.
A five-date UK tour (okay, four dates in England and one in Scotland) saw the band arrive in Bristol at the community run Exchange, one of my favourite music venues across the bridge. 50 or so hardy souls had turned up for the opening band, Red Hot Riot, who hit the stage promptly at 8:15pm. Now, I’m no expert when it comes to neo-rockabilly but the Forest of Dean trio, comprising guitarist/vocalist Rick Delany, double bass player/backing vocalist Scotty McParland and drummer Joe Newborn played with a style and composure far ahead of their relatively young years. Decked out in traditional rockabilly style, brothel creepers and gelled quiffs in place, Red Hot Riot were fresh, enthusiastic and confident. Influenced by the old school moves of Eddie Cochran, Chuck Berry, The Stray Cats and Elvis, their 30-minute set was compelling stuff, and when they play in Cardiff in August, they’ll have two new fans in the audience.
Having completed a perfunctory sound check, The Inspector Cluzo whipped off the casual jackets to reveal their suited stage gear and kicked straight into their hour-long set with ‘A Man Outstanding in His Field’. What followed was one of the best sets of music I’ve seen for many years as Malcom (Laurent Lacronts) on guitar/vocals and Phil (Mathieu Jourdain) on drums/backing vocals captivated the audience with their no-nonsense fuzzed up rock n’ roll. Both Malcom and Phil are engaging entertainers, the typical Gaelic delivery and dry sense of humour generating chuckle after chuckle from the enthralled audience. Several of their songs expanded into dazzling elongated jams, Malcom’s rip-roaring guitar work incredible at times.
One of the band’s main influences is Neil Young, and The Inspector Cluzo didn’t disappoint with a solid cover of Neil Young’s ‘Hey Hey My My’, one of many opportunities for full crowd participation. ‘We, The People of the Soil’ echoed with the organically minded, the punk snorting ‘Fuck the Bass Player’ and the slow, “sexy French dancing” generated laughter and smiles. As the band concluded their set in their usual manner, Malcom slowly dismantled Phil’s drum kit, holding his hi-hat high and then kicking his snare over as Phil finished the evening playing his remaining equipment standing on his bass drum. A huge ovation from the small but enthusiastic crowd ended an evening which deserved many more in attendance. As a bonus, the purchase of two slabs of vinyl for a mere £20 just made things even better. If you are going to Ramblin’ Man Fair this summer, make sure you check these guys out. You won’t be disappointed.
Photo credits: Paul Hutchings
