The Zombies @ The Caves – Sun 30th May
I have to be frank and say that as a rule I don’t normally touch these nostalgia gigs with a bargepole. Sexagenarian silver foxes trading on past successes would not normally be my idea of a night out but I plead guilty to having a soft spot for The Zombies 1968 classic album Odessey & Oracle. Remaining Zombies members Colin Blunstone and Rod Argent emerged quietly on stage at The Caves, tinkering through a couple of ballady numbers to begin. A deferential crowd applauded this newer material but the meek start only served to amplify my apprehension about attending. However, a run of 60s classics, “A Rose for Emily”, “Care for Cell 44” and “Time of the Season” turned things around significantly. Argent’s extended keys solo on the latter showcased his still considerable talent while Blunstone’s vocals still sounded pitch perfect 45 years on from the recordings. A dry boak provoking version of “Hold Your Head Up” followed during which Argent shamelessly allowed his Hammond solo to descend into a “Scotland the Brave” dirge which the provincial crowd regrettably took great delight in witnessing. After an air-guitar inducing “God gave rock and roll to you” they finished with their hazy 60s pop classic “She’s not there”, a song so flawless it could melt the heart of even the most glacial cynic. A number of formulaic, nostalgia gig, boxes were ticked this evening but the moments of pop splendour, when they appeared, were worth being present to hear.