The Real Thing (From Bournemouth Echo)

The Real Thing

10:59am Monday 26th July 2010 in

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THERE ain't no stopping soul on a roll. The three Liverpudlians, brothers Eddie and Chris Amoo, and Dave Smith, of The Real Thing have been performing their blend of disco, pop and soul music now for nearly 40 years. And while they may no longer be chart regulars, as they were during the 70s and 80s, they clearly haven't lost that star quality and energy.

Strong singers and supple movers, their easy-going charm, backed by their superbly funky six-piece band with Shaft-style guitar wah-wah movie soundtrack effects and all, soon had the fans - many of whom seemed too young to have heard the trio in their heyday - out of their seats and swinging along with the irresistible right-on rhythm.

The love songs included You To Me Are Everything, Raining Through My Sunshine and Can't Get By Without You. Living On The Frontline was a poignant tribute to Michael Jackson and their own backgrounds were remembered with numbers such as Children Of The Ghetto, dedicated to the spirit of the youth of inner city Toxteth. Among the upbeat standouts, Feel The Force, Let’s Celebrate and Ain’t No Stopping Us, were supercharged brilliant. A whole lotta real soul special.