Beans on Toast – Live Review 2024
If every gig came with as much love as Beans on Toast, the world would be a much better place. Whether the tunes are statements about society and politics or simply about loving those around you, it’s near impossible not to relate to the lyrics Beans delivers onstage.
This evening at the Wedgewood Rooms the alt-folk singer is also joined by a new band. All of whom are given a chance to promote their own art during the support slot.
Following the acoustic folk of Memphis Gerald, King Killership delivers impressive honky tonk piano in the stylings of Tom Waits meets Fats Domino. Meanwhile, bass player Bassie Gracie and her spoken word poetry perform anecdotes that seamlessly draw you into poems that come with a heartfelt message.
As for Jay McAllister (aka Beans on Toast), currently promoting his new album “Toothpaste and the Tube” it’s obvious he’s pleased to be back in Pompey. As is often the case for many a musical act, whereby the Wedgewood Rooms certainly come with some fond memories.
Beans on the Road – Wedgewood Rooms 2024
The opening tune “Back on the Road” is about Beans’ passion for touring, yet there are also songs throughout the set about longing to be home with the family.
Then there are beautiful moments when everyone is certainly on the same wavelength, such as questioning how there’s “Money for War” but not enough to pay bills and put food on the table. After all, when you’re surrounded by so many peace-loving friends it’s hard to understand not all the outside world has the same priorities.
Older tracks about Beans on Toast’s hedonistic days (“MDM Amazing“) or smoking down by the river may not be as relevant in the grand scheme of things, but they’re certainly just as poignant. Then at his most personal, Beans delves into songs about listening to music with his daughter, as well as her love of mythical creatures. Alongside tearing down the banks it’s clear the simple things in life are just as important.
Having ended the main set with his band alongside him, Beans on Toast is left performing solo. Ending the would-be-encore with a simple message in “Give Peace Another Chance“, an ethos that seems ludicrous that it isn’t the world’s mantra to begin with.
Beans on Toast – “The Toothpaste and the Tube”, out now.
Like this music review from the Wedgewood Rooms? Well, it was apparently snowing on the way home when I saw Beans on Toast at the Wedge back in 2019 – read the review here.
Below is some footage recorded by Mr Teeth Review from the previous Wedgewood Rooms gig:
