Review by Julian Hall

The nightclub venue in The Gilded Balloon seems an apt place for this jaunty troupe to strut their stuff in the style of a junior Spinal Tap. It's also a venue that partially defines their demographic appeal ie rather studenty.

It would, however, be unfair to write off the musical and lyrical dexterity of Mick Cullinan (keyboards), Demian Fox (drums), Shane O'Brien (bass) and James Walmsley (guitars and lead vocals) as mere fodder for freshers, since they can resonate with a wider audience. 

Christians In Love is one such example. It's a bit easy to pick on the socially awkward reputation of ardent churchgoers, perhaps, but it is done here with a certain amount tenderness even if the newlyweds attempts at fornication are likened to the movements of ‘a couple of trout in a puddle’.

I also applaud the cheek behind a tune that mocks the pally-pally nature of phone company adverts (a topic getting much attention across Fringe shows) where the company is personified as the annoying friend who wants to impress you too much.

Inevitably not all the ‘album tracks’ are going to please; cases in point being the one-dimensional Midget that asks how far you can run holding a midget and Ten-Foot Picture Of Me, a coy attempt at acknowledging the adoration of the group's good-looking lead singer.

Meanwhile, the patter in-between songs has yet to be nailed, though this is something common to most musical comedy outfits, and once was true of the now-successful ones such as Tim Minchin. With the genre on the up, DCB will want to be in pole position to be the next mob to top the musical comedy pop. With better banter and more lyrical maturity I wouldn't bet against them.

Review date: 19 Aug 2010
Reviewed by: Julian Hall