Oct 10, 2013 – England’s Et Tu Brucé rocked Lee’s Palace last Thursday night. Et Tu Brucé is a London-based band comprising frontman Jamie White on acoustic guitar and lead vocals, guitarist/vocalist Matthew O’Toole and brothers Bruce, Craig on drums and Darryn on bass. They were joined on stage by Jo Griggs on backing vocals.
They play infectious 60’s-inspired melodic pop in the vein of The Byrds. The set list comprised most of the songs on their debut album Suburban Sunshine along with some new material that will be on their next, as yet unrecorded, album.
We had the chance to chat with guitarist Matty O’Toole at length after the show. Their influences range from everything from the aforementioned Byrds, to George Harrison to Townshend to The Smiths. You can also hear hints of early Syd Barrett-era Floyd in songs like Never Seen You Cry, Jeff Lynne’s ELO in songs like Pearly, Miracle Crash or Memories Remain, Collective Soul’s uplifting message and melodies on several other songs, like the lead off track of Suburban Sunshine, Dress Me Up in Bruises or I Keep Forgetting and Crosby, Stills and Nash-inspired harmonies on most songs but especially It’s All Nothing.
Certainly one of the best shows we’ve seen this year. The only complaint, if we were to pick nits, was the show was all too brief and the enthusiastic crowd was left wanting more. Et Tu Brucé just wrapped a US tour opening for The Zombies playing very large theatres and one could see them headlining those shows themselves next time round. It was great to have the opportunity to see the band in the cozy confines of Lee’s Palace as next time they roll through town, it will surely be in a much bigger venue.
Jamie White
