Maine Street/Martin Ruddock/Geoff Barker

Chaplin’s, Cellar Bar, Boscombe

On a relatively mild January evening we await the return of one time Bournemouth “Indie hopefuls” Maine street.

The room is slowly filling as we arrive around 8.30 with a collection of faces from “back in the day”! It’s been some 8 years since Maine street shared a stage as this line-up. Opening proceedings is none other than drummer Sean Barker’s Dad Geoff. Better known around these parts as the matchday announcer some years back at AFC Bournemouth home games, he cuts a fine figure opening for his son and band. He takes us on a journey of his musical roots with a set of well chosen covers including “That’s Alright Mama”, “Blue Moon” and “You Can’t Do That”. His vocals are confident and well delivered as he delivers his brand of 12 bar blues, receiving warm applause while thanking us in French! He ends with a rabble-rousing rendition of the Who’s “Substitute” before exiting the stage.

Geoff Barker

Local singer, songwriter, and musician Martin Ruddock quickly takes to the stage and opens with some self-penned numbers. “Serious” is a standout song but by now this ever expanding crowd are chatting loudly, where a little more respect could’ve been shown. Nevertheless he carries on undaunted with a great song entitled “My Black Cloud”. He too ends on a high with a recent Minor Characters song called “Get My Coat”, before leaving the stage to good applause.

Martin Ruddock

And so to the headliners. Due to a trip back home from New Zealand based drummer Sean it was decided to dust off the old instruments and get back onstage for one more time. Frankly, it’s as if they’ve never been away! Vinny (vox/guitars) wears his Britpop leanings firmly on his sleeves while Flakey (guitars) is shoegazing through most of their set. They open with ‘Bomber Jacket’ before the excellent ‘Street Walker’ sets the tone. After only two practices there seems little nerves & few if any mistakes. Dave (bass) is leading the banter, almost asking for a reaction-we are far too kind! Vinny however, to this reviewer is somewhat “reserved” tonight while Sean (drums) is hidden away at the back, but no less effective. “I’m In’ and I’ve Tried” are set highlights but there really are no negatives.

Maine Street 1–2

Late on a random couple arrive in the pit area for their own version of Monday night “Come Dancing”. It’s as amusing as it is odd as they also swap banter with the band. The excellent “Change” is their set highlight while they end with “Two Ways Round”. There’s no encore and no necessity. It has been a wonderful trip down memory lane for both band and audience alike. They leave to great applause and a hope from most to repeat this sometime in the future.

Set List
Bomber Jacket
Street Walker
Fame Game
I’m In
Lightweight
I’ve Tried
Change
Chancer
2 Ways Round

Videos
Maine Street