The Sheepdogs - Give Rival Sons a run for their money

London Roundhouse was blessed this week with the arrival of Canadian Rock band The Sheepdogs. The Sheepdogs are currently on tour opening the show for California Rockers Rival Sons and are clearly building a huge fan base as they go. The Sheepdogs got their first real blast of fame in 2011 after becoming the first unsigned band to be on the front cover of Rolling Stone magazine, and this has meant they have been growing in popularity ever since.

From the moment the lights went down and their name lit up the stage, the crowd started to raw with excitment removing any suspicions they are just another support band. I guess compared to their level of fame across the Atlantic they are still unknown in the UK. They have a mixed style of Southern Rock / Blues / Country. Each song sounds like a Classic Rock hit from the 70's that you've known for years, there is no question they are brilliant live.

They are a multi talented band with Soul, and their look as much a part of them as their songs. You could tell from the word go they meant business, and they really did produce the goods. As soon as  they stepped out on stage lead guitarist Jimmy Bowskill went straight into the bands hit single 'Im gonna be Myself' which has a real upbeat Classic Rock vibe to start the heads bopping, this followed on by another crowd favourite 'Ive got a hole where my heart should Be'... it was great to see the audience singing along with such passion.

Lead singer Ewan Currie has a great voice making them a perfect all round fun time band with some top songs. The tracks are very catchy and have a edge that i think would work with the UK audience today, I feel their country side may have given the wrong impression in the past which is why they never took off over here. Its a shame because they are without a doubt a great rock band, their catchy riffs and light hearted melodies are quite addictive.

Their last album 'Changing Colours' has been out a year but the set list on the night was a real mix of hits across previous albums. They are clearly out to have a good time, give the crowd what they want and play the favourites. The more the set went on the more the audience enjoyed it. I would love to hear these songs on the radio across the UK more frequently, some of their older songs would have definitely been chart hits in the UK if they got the coverage they deserved.

After all, the night was about Rival Sons and was clear the audience wanted The Sheepdogs to play a few more songs, before the main act. came on They finished their set with 'Changing Colours' anthem 'Nobody', another great track (which you can watch the video for at the bottom of this page). All in all the night was a huge success for The Sheepdogs, they have definitely gained a large number of fans from this tour, looking forward to their return to London in June.

The Sheepdogs - Setlist
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I'm gonna be Myself
I've got a hole where my heart should Be
Who?
Bad Lieutenant
Southern Dreaming
Downtown
H.M.S. Buffalo
How Late, How Long
Feeling Good
I don't Know
Nobody