Goy Boy McIlroy @ Pop Recs Ltd, Sunderland 29.03.2014

When a trusted friend, invites you down to a regular haunt with the brief description that incites, “…Black Rebel Motorcycle Club meets Jon Spencer’s Blues Explosion.” We are back at the |Sunderland City Centre venue/cafe/gallery/shop as a result. Welcome to an unforgettable first impression of Goy Boy McIlroy.
The Darlington four-piece band started a delicious slice of alternative blues rock set, that has the cut and edge which reaches deep into anyone that pays attention of which 40 knowledgeable bodies, were transfixed as ‘Agoraphobia’ bristled far deeper than the video version, with passion in spade fulls and fuelled by the misery that flows through ‘the people of a northern Quaker town’; also reflected throughout much of the north, for that matter. But at least in one respect that is acceptable at least musically it propels Goy Boy McIlroy into a blistering fine live force.
The recent single is good, but fades a little by comparison to their Pop Recs live show tonight. The set continues with ‘Psych Plaything’ it was either this song or next (‘Amen’) that singer Dave Saunders stretched his microphone lead further into the crowd, picking up one of the sofa throws draping it around his neck, before covering himself and unsuspecting watching individual with a private covered face to face half verse worth, it was not the last of his wanderings, even ending up on the Fawcett street pavement mic-less, more visual chaotic art, as the talented band played on. Simon Goy on on guitar, Al Evans behind the drums and Glen Adkins playing bass, collectively produced some great soundscapes live it’s very close to my imaginary edge that leaves me struggling for adjectives.
As ‘Midlife Crisis’ ends Vocalist Dave takes a breather announcing ‘Not to worry, there’s only four more to go” as if there was any discontent. Then it’s ‘ro-langs’ as the guitar riff lands is already another set highlight. Not sure if, at least within the venue the band pit a foot wrong. Their self-released debut single Black Glove should be sought. Back to proceedings, ‘The Pilgrim’ shines, then ‘Black Glove’ sounds every note the crowd favourite it must be, before the closing ‘Writhing’. leaves me withe cliché of wanting more.
Get ready for Goy Boy McIlroy alternative Blues Rock has not often  sounded this deep, darker and powerful, a great live show. 9/10
Steve Janes

Watch ‘Agoraphobia’ video