Funke and the Two Tone Baby is a one-man phenomenon who mixes folky singalong anthems with blistering blues riffs, juxtaposed with fat bass, big beats and sub kicks. It is always a high energy, four to the floor show whenever he is in town and post the covid hiatus, it was time to get your dancing pants on, in the exquisite venue that is The Louisiana in Bristol.

Opening the night was She, Robot an award winning loop pop artist whose cacophony of instruments were all used to build up her compositions, all live and cleverly thought out to deliver her distinctive sound. Suzy Condrad wove it together seamlessly (most of the time) and her rich vocals over the top made for a really strong set of covers (the Kate Bush, “Running up That Hill” one was excellent), new songs and old ones. It was very quiet in between songs as Suzy twiddled the knobs to get ready for the next composition, but I don’t mind that, better than mindless chatter drowning out the support act. I loved what she was doing here and on record, while not having the raw energy of building up the compositions bar by bar, there is a really great sound.

Then on to the main man. I have seen Funke (Dan) many times and I thought I knew what to expect but Bristol got a little extra on Saturday night. The sound was sharper, fuller, and the energy was relentless and the crowd loved it. It’s funny that Funke said he has always struggled to get the crowds in Bristol, despite the room being packed and everyone lapped up every note. Once again there were songs new and old. It’s been 4 years since his last album, Denizen, and with a new one planned for next year, these shows are where the new material grows legs and evolve into the shiny new tracks.

From the first song to the last, the tempo is fast. Funke worked the crowd from early on, getting their involvement, back and forth even on the new tracks. And the crowd responded, there was not a single person in the room who wasn’t tapping their foot or boogieing along. And it kept coming, catchy track after track. The guitar playing, and more importantly the sound, from an acoustic guitar was incredible and still Funke didn’t cease the pace, then out came the fat wup, what a sound. With sweat pouring down his face he took a brief break before the encore and then it was time to lie down, to take it all in (him not me!). A breathtaking show, a very hot room and very happy set of punters.

Catch Funke and the Two Tone baby on the rest of his tour in March, with The Undercover Hippy in April, with Dutty Moonshine Big Band in May then onto the festivals where he is on the main stage at Beautiful Days !

Go see him where you can, you will not be disappointed - Tickets available HERE

Words and Pictures by GM Gig Photography all images are ©