Review: The Pigeon Detectives, Newcastle Carling Academy

Dec 1 2008 by Mark Davies, The Journal

The Pigeon Detectives at Newcastle Carling Academy

TWO average support acts ensured that by the time the main attraction bounced on stage, the audience was well up for it.

With no mucking about, they opened with their two biggest hits, I Found Out and Emergency, both giving rise to anthemic sing-a-longs that are the hallmark of a great live act.

Things tailed off a little bit after that as the band do not yet have enough quality material to sustain such momentum.

Not that their devoted fans minded, as they swayed in thrall to flamboyant lead singer Matt Bowman, who held the crowd in the palm of his hand.

Bowman helps the Pigeon Detectives transcend their material in live situations. He cavorts on stage with boundless energy and enthusiasm.

So although their tunes might not whip the uninitiated into the state of fervour displayed by their dedicated fans, with Bowman and the ability to write catchy three-minute anthems, the future looks bright for the Pigeon Detectives.