BEN’S BROTHER/DLUGOKECKI - THE BROOK, SOUTHAMPTON, 25TH MAY 2009

Following on from the heady heights of receiving an Ivor Novello Award Nomination is a tough ask for any act and that is exactly what is facing London born Jamie Hartman AKA Ben’s Brother right now. Debut album “Beta Male Fairytales” was one of 2007’s runaway success stories and it is likely that the recently released follow up “Battling Giants” will match that success.

Southampton heroes Dlugokecki open tonight’s proceedings and, with this somewhat surprisingly being their first live show at The Brook and frontman Ben Dlugokecki being a self confessed Ben’s Brother fan, the band rise to the occasion. “Sell My Soul”, “Heaven To Believe In” and “Too Many Borders” are tighter than they’ve ever been before whilst tonight’s closer “All Stations” could be their finest, certainly their heaviest, moment to come. Don’t be surprised to see Dlugokecki headlining a night at The Brook in their own right in the not too distant future.

Coming on stage to rapturous applause, Ben’s Brother respond to the adulation with a crisp set. Jack Nicholson lookalike Jamie Hartman struggles to contain his excitement and barely a moment goes by without him flashing what can only be described as a Nicholson type grin. New single “Apologise” (co-written with Natalie Imbruglia) is bright, purposeful and polished, the funky “Questions & Answers” ups the ante and the power balladry of “Let Me Out” raises the roof.

Jamie Hartman knows how to please his audience and is clearly passionate about what he does. He certainly does not lack confidence and belief in his ability and the outpouring of love and adulation sent his way tonight ensures that he’ll be around for a while to come. Paul Lane.

REVIEW: PAUL LANE