Two and two

I went over to Zaphod's on Wednesday to check out Great Bloomers and Two Hours Traffic. The latter have a new EP out which apparently presages a more rocking direction for the recently revamped quartet. The former I've seen before, also at Zaphod's, ran through a pretty hot set of pop with a rootsy twist. They had just started up as I walked in the front door.

It's been three years since I saw them, give or take a month, and they haven't changed much at all - at least not soundwise, their lineup has undergone some permutations. Lowell and Co., like THT, have a new release out, Distant Fires.


Great Bloomers at Zaphod Beblebrox, Sept. 26, 2012

Adrian Cook works the keys.


Great Bloomers at Zaphod Beblebrox, Sept. 26, 2012

Two Hours Traffic were really sharp, backing up super pop hooks with an energetic performance. I'm also always keen for a Nick Lowe tune: They covered Raging Eyes.


Two Hours Traffic at Zaphod Beeblebrox, Sept. 26, 2012

Guitarist Andrew MacDonald has recently shifted over from bass.


Two Hours Traffic at Zaphod Beeblebrox, Sept. 26, 2012

They also had a very enthusiastic crowd who were happy to shout out requests and sing along.