Dumb Poets

Poole Hill Brewery, Bournemouth

Tonight we are in the Poole Hill Brewery in Bournemouth for the launch of the debut album by Bournemouth’s Dumb Poets. The band have a pedigree that many would be envious of as they feature original drummer of Dead Or Alive Joe Musker, (who also worked on the Liverpool music scene with Pete Wyle, The Farm & The La’s) along with Harry Skinner of The Producers on Electric Guitar, Lance Riley (formerly of local heroes The Spoons) on Acoustic Guitar/Vocals, along with Jim Greenwood on Bass (formerly of The Monster Trucks). The evening is kicked off with a full playback of the new eleven track album “All the Ghosts” which was brought together with the help of a crowdfunding project with friends, family and fans all putting their hands in the pockets to bring the project together.

Once the playback has finished the now packed venue is ready for the band to take to the stage with a full-on electric live performance. They kick off with “The Ceiling’s Crashing Down” from the new album, and from the start it is apparent what great acoustics this high ceiling venue offers; just like The Winchester Pub which used to be next door. The band combine electric and acoustic guitars to great effect and deliver some thoroughly substantial musicianship. Frontman Lance with his dark shades and sharp Brian Ferry-style haircut delivers some great vocals on tunes like the epic “Downstream”, which seemed to be a particular favourite with the very vocal audience.

Dumb Poets 1–2–3–4–5–6–7–8–9

The band has brought some snippets from the past and merged them with their own original sound, taking influences from Brit Beat to Brit Pop to create a melodic slice of elevating colourful sound. It’s hard to fault tonight’s performance where there is not a cover version in sight and the band have the whole audience dancing throughout the whole of their set. From the earworm of “Sugarmouth” with its lovely harmonies; to the dark atmospheric sound of Harry’s beautiful guitar work on “Blind”, this band’s original entertainment is a credit to their combined musical experiences. A really great evening and a very welcome band to have back on the local music scene, in a new venue that could easily in the right hands blossom into a new much-loved music venue.

Set List
The Ceilingís Crashing Down
Blood for the
Wildflower
Lotus on the Wire
Heart Shudder
Downstream
Country Girl
Morning Birds
Shadows
All the Ghosts (Are Coming Home)
Sugarmouth
Down in the City
Blessings in Disguise
Blind