There has been some seismic upheaval in the Tracie Hunter Band with the unexpected departure of three band members two months ago.  Lesser souls would have called it a day but not the feisty rock chick that is Ms T Hunter.

The Borderline was a brave London debut by a line up that has been together for a little over two weeks, but in that short time had already played four gigs, and the audience were treated to an historic new chapter in the Tracie Hunter Band.

I have been a fan of Tracie’s for around eight years and in that time have been to many, many gigs.  I felt a degree of trepidation ahead of last night’s gig, particularly when the new line up walked on stage and their individual styles were apparent from their clothing – would their individual musical influences be as varied? Would this work?  Of course it did – Tracie has chosen her new line up well and they gelled, looking like they had played as a band for years rather than weeks. 

The set was a pleasing mix of material from Race – the band’s debut album from last year – including “Religion” (the first single release), “Did Me In” and my personal favourite, “If This Is All” and new material from the forthcoming album.  The new guys took the older material, grabbed it by the scruff of the neck, shook it about a bit and presented it to the audience on a sparkly velvet cushion, while the new songs, including “Vanilla”, “Heroine”, “King of Rain” and “Hold My Hand” were claimed as their own.

The night was a treat for the THB faithful and newcomers alike.  The new line up rocks and if they can turn in a performance like this after less than three weeks together, imagine what they’ll be indulging us with in the coming months.

It kicked off with Mr Darrell Bath, a superb, very versatile guitarist who I have seen in countless bands [Dogs D'Amour, The Quireboys, Dan Baird, Diamond Dogs, Ian Hunter and Tenpole Tudor to name but a few].  Darrell played a mix of songs including, a few from his Sabre Jet band album including the title track "Same Old Brand New", "Getting By" and "Never Trust A Blonde" a great song that was a favourite of Tracie's.  There was "Stop Talking Bout Money" from his Love and Hurt CD.  There was a poignant moment when Darrell played "Pin A Rose On Me" by way of tribute to his friend musician Nikki Sudden who died earlier that week in New York.  There was a Ronnie Lane song also and Doug Sahm's "Who Were You Thinking Of".  A great start to the evening.

Tracie Hit the stage with her two guitarists and took us through songs old and new plus one cover song.  Race the album featured heavily throughout the night and the songs transferred really well to the acoustic set, the songs are strong lyrically especially "Race " which is all about peace and harmony amongst us all, and there are some real catchy tunes too my favourite tracks featured at various points of the evening " Religion", "Mercury" and the mighty fine "Astoria Morning" the set closer which is my favourite track.  Early on Tracie played "Marylebone" a very early track she wrote which so far hasn't featured on disc, go on Tracie put it on the next one.

New tracks played tonight were "Vanilla", "Don't Tell Me", "Hold My Hand", "Heroine" and my favourite [so far] of the newies "King of The Rain" all the songs were really good and worthy of a place on the new album, they came over great acoustically and I heard a couple of these last time played with full band and they were superb, the new album is looking very promising, I can't wait!

The one cover came in the form of Hazel O'Connor's "Will You" a cracking track that I bought originally all those years ago and Tracie did it proud.  She has a great voice and deserves to go a long way.  It was a fantastic night, Riga Music Bar is a fantastic local venue for live music, there is always a superb sound and a good friendly atmosphere.  You can't beat live music, according to Tracie's site she's coming back to Southend in July amongst other venues, do yourselves a favour and come see a great night of Live Music.

I cannot understand why people in our town are so afraid of trying something new. Tracie Hunter brought her rocking band to The Vic in Old Town , Swindon this weekend but the place was still only half full.

Her dad is Ian Hunter formerly with Mott The Hoople so surely she must have had a good grounding ­ at least worth checking out. And yes, she was indeed a chip of the old block. A gutsy rock chick with attitude, Tracie is a natural on stage. She has a terrific voice that she uses with great power and confidence.

Her original songs, that have a certain quirky kick, are professionally performed with a slick poise that shows her entertainment background.

Her band are a talented bunch of musicians who have obviously put the work in to create the perfect background for this sassy singer with the bass player looking every inch the rock star and winning over the girls in the audience.

Tracie was supported by Swindon band The Rentals, an all girl outfit who have a deservedly strong following in Swindon ... my prediction is that Tracie will be back in the west country charging £30 a ticket because she sure has the credentials and the charisma.

© Flicky Harrison, This is Wiltshire (www.thisiswiltshire.co.uk)

But surely that's not her old man, is it? That lithe stripling replete with long, curly hair? It is! And his set includes a cornucopia of newly-penned songs straight from the emotional bowels of a rock 'n' roll star who has refused to shed his trademark shades or settle for musical safety. "A Good Samaritan", for example, ain't no commercial single. Which doesn't mean that Hunter's ensemble of seasoned musicians eschew haunting ballads like "Michael Picasso" or singalong Mott favourites like "Saturday Gigs", and for some (OK, for most) the evening wouldn't be complete with "All The Young Dudes". Happily, the band oblige and it's no great surprise when long-time Mott fan Def Leppard's Joe Elliot is suddenly there on stage, along with Tracie and her crew, to provide backing vocals. Hunter has influenced a generation - and continues to do so.

John Everett (Making Music)

The band also played a new song from their new EP which l think is called "Black and Blue", which sounded promising too. In the past, l've not had much time for Tracie, but tonight l finally 'got it'. The Gabbitas brothers (Neil on guitars, Mel on bass) still looked like they belong in Supergrass, but they are one hell of a pairing, musically. Tracie now has a second guitarist (sorry, didn't catch his name) who helps give the band a richer, more textured sound. Her music is sort of spiky, jagged, melodic pop/rock, and although it's taken a while for me to appreciate it.....I'm now solidly a convert. 

Thanks Tracie Hunter.

© Simon Gausden. Powerplay magazine issue 25

Then it was an unplugged laid back affair that revealed the pure melodies underpinning the songs, tonight Tracie Hunter Band are here to rock...and rock they do. From the acoustic build of ‘Put up a Wall’ to the raucous glare of ‘ Astoria Morning’, this is a band on top of their game. New drummer Steve Washington quickly proves himself a man in his element, a man who knows the songs, knows they’re great songs and loves exactly where he’s sitting. Expect him to ‘fill this roll’ - (sorry) - for some time to come. The band, you know...the band, tonight couldn’t be any tighter. Intricate chord progressions seem to surrender themselves as the simple fluidity of the play belies a sophisticated sonic construction. Yeah, I know that sounds a bit...but that’s how it is, and it allows the vocals to float free, soar as single notes or drop into sweeping harmonies. Like the rest of the band, Tracie is in full flight, a commanding stage presence that never overwhelms the integrity of the whole - the songs that constantly seduce as the set progresses. With ‘Put it in a Jar’ fast becoming a live classic, there is no doubt, there was goodness in The Underworld tonight and anyone who says different should make their way to the next THB gig and repent.

Oh, and the encore? From beyond the stage they magic Dan Baird to play til midnight. There on Tracie Hunter Band’s invitation and happy to be so, this was a great night of rock that sent us all home happily in search of a donner...

Anthony Hooper, Clinic

My passion for music is obviously in the genes and similarly, as you might expect from the daughter of a formable song writing talent, Tracie Hunter is capable of honing some fine lyrics. All the well-crafted songs in the set are the bands own and exude a timeless class and polish. It's difficult to put labels on what they do and I don't feel included to anyway as the music transcends this.

It was getting on for midnight when they appeared with the clubbers mellowed by the hour and the earlier acts. The approach was business-like as they opened with Religion, Richie Newman providing rock solid support on drums. No wonder Tracie has gone on record as saying she feels reassured by his presence. Neil and Mel Gabbitas sounded as reliable as ever on Guitar and Bass with a further guitarist, Darren providing an extra dimension to their expansive layered sound although I don't know whether or not he'll be joining the band for future gigs. No Turning and Time sounded equally full-blooded with some forceful vibes emanating from the stage.

For me personally, Tracie's voice occasionally bears a slight resemblance to all that was good about Siouxsie (of the Banshees). However there's none of the aloof arrogance that could characterise the Banshees live, for this singer and her band possess a far warmer collective heart. Physically there's no similarity, so it has to be in the forceful undercurrent that drives sounds like Astoria Morning. The output is more subtle, the music working its way into your subconscious. If my mention of New Wave forces leads you to believe their sound is in any way dated, forget it. This will come as a welcome relief if you have despaired in recent years of the limp, wimpier side of Brit music. If you've ever turned off the radio feeling as though you could take a flying kick at a whining New Man and wishing for something with more character and backbone, then you'll definitely want to discover the Tracie Hunter Band.

Back Door was a rhythmic treat and Picture of You features some subtle vocals. Float belied its title, sounding well sharp and upfront and contrasted with the textured depth of I Do. Hell, I never realised how danceable they were but Like You defined you to stay in your seat. The memorable, gutsy Astoria Morning rounded things off all too soon. I would have loved to have had a preview of Black and blue, one of the four tracks to be features on the forthcoming EP but a late decision was taken to cut it from the set listing which perhaps says something about the fact that this band cares to get it right. Anyway, it gives us something to anticipate in the way of new material. Do yourself a favour and catch them at the earliest opportunity.

Clare Haddrill, TMFH Magazine