Rock Regeneration

Mar13

Those Damn Crows/James Bruner Band

on March 13th, 2025 at 20:12

Old Fire Station, Bournemouth

There is always an air of excitement anywhere Bridgend rockers Those Damn Crows play, tonight is no different. The band return to Bournemouth at the intimate Old Fire Station on a tour in preparation for the release of their 5th album “God Shaped Hole”. The band are currently on a high after their own headline show at the 5000 capacity Cardiff Arena in December and a prestigious support slot with ZZ Top/Rival Sons at Wembley Arena in July of last year. The band have been down this neck of the woods before several times and have built up a loyal following and tonight’s gig has predictably sold out well in advance.

James Bruner Band 1–2–3–4–5

Before the Welsh quintet take to the stage we are introduced to Nashville based singer/songwriter James Bruner and his band, who literally explode onto the stage with energy, swagger and a whole load of Classic Rock guitar riffage. Taking the audience by surprise, the quality of the delivery is sublime and the band do the job of warming up the crowd within the first few songs. It’s hard not to enjoy Zach Mears’s Rock bygone-inspired guitar solos with echoes of Jimmy Page. Along with James’s Rock n’ Roll swagger in his boot cut leather trousers and sheer t-shirt. Bassist TJ Fink (looking like a young Barry Gibb), and drummer Sam Jenkins provide some formidable backing to some of Sam’s significant compositions.

With songs like the latest single “Eye in the sky”, “Wait For You” and “Alibi” the four-piece give the audience the full two barrels. The vocal delivery is worth the price of the ticket alone with James providing a pure range that would jostle with some of the greats. The band leave the stage and with their contemporary take on the Classic Rock legacy, they have earned themselves many new fans from this well entertained audience.

After an efficient changeover at the stroke of 9pm, the Welsh heroes take to the stage with a huge welcome from the Bournemouth crowd. Kicking off with “Let’s Go Psycho” the Crows Bournemouth party starts in earnest. Intertwining the bands classic singles with brand new tracks, the band whip the audience into a frenzy. Dave, Shiner, Lloyd, Ronnie and frontman Shane have become a formidable band, with experience at playing on some of the UK and Europe’s largest stages. They have become adept at the art of putting on a crowd-pleasing Rock show. With singalong anthems like the truly emotional tunes “Kingdom of Rust” and “Blink of a Eye” they have the crowd eating out of their hands. As one of the top bands of the NWOCR movement they are leading the way with their successes and providing inspiration for other acts.

Those Damn Crows 1–2–3–4–5–6–7–8–9

With tracks from the new album (out next month) pre-order here like “No Surrender”, “Glass Heart and “Dreaming” the band show off their continued creative streak, adding to their already considerable armoury. There are few bands that can create an atmosphere like Those Damn Crows on stage. With the band’s unique chemistry and collection of relevant, emotionally charged songs; along with their redoubtable music prowess.

The euphoric evening is full of highs and in this intimate setting with this sold out crowd, the band have made yet another Bournemouth night to remember. One would hope that the new album gives the band their highest chart position to date and acts as a stepping stone to bigger things. These are the five nicest and humble guys in Rock who totally deserve all the accomplishments that they achieve.

Set Lists
Those Damn Crows
Let’s Go Psycho!
Man on Fire
Find a Way
Kingdom of Dust
Blink of an Eye
No Surrender
Glass Heart
Dreaming
Who Did It
Sin on Skin
Go Get It
This Time I’m Ready
See You Again
Rock ‘n’ Roll Ain’t Dead!