Hunt is still something wonderful
Review: Miles Hunt and Erica Nockalls, Henry Tudor House, Shrewsbury - by Stuart Dunn
It’s a useful barometer of the quality of a new album when songs perhaps not heard before by many of the audience are received just as warmly as much loved old favourites.
That was certainly true as Miles Hunt, The Wonder Stuff’s charismatic frontman, and Erica Nockalls enthralled a sell-out crowd at Shrewsbury’s Henry Tudor House.
They opened with five songs from We Came Here to Work, the duo’s excellent third studio album, before delving deep into The Wonder Stuff’s extensive back catalogue.
Acoustic renditions of Mission Drive, Circlesquare, On The Ropes and Here Comes Everyone were an enjoyable trip down memory lane, with Hunt’s distinctive vocals perfectly complemented by the exquisite violin of the accomplished Nockalls.
The encore featured Sing The Absurd and, finally, Unbearable, one of The Wonder Stuff’s earliest singles, released 30 years ago, which made for a fitting conclusion.
This was a delight of a show, acoustic music at its very best, at an excellent venue, which consistently delivers memorable nights in the heart of the county town.
For Hunt and Nockalls, who live in south Shropshire, this was virtually a homecoming gig in a nationwide tour which ends in Newcastle at the end of the month.
Their devoted local followers, quick to show their appreciation, will be hoping it isn’t long before they perform again in their adopted home county.
