EP Review: Li’l Chuck meets Drummie Dan at the Mansion on the Hill

Having released four solo albums over the course of the last decade or so, and in the wake of “a clash with his other band members”, Li’l Chuck the One Man Skiffle Machine has joined forces with Dan Heatley (aka Drummie Dan, ex-Shane MacGowan and The Popes, and The Exploited) to produce an EP that allowed them both to nostalgically explore the Rock & Roll influences of their teenage years, and let their “heavier” sides off the chain. The result is nothing short of magnificent.

The EP opens with Mansion Intro - an old-school telephone bell rings, and Li’l Chuck answers with a quick “‘ello?”. Drummie Dan’s gangster-like toned voice delivers a message, and the call ends abruptly. It’s time to rock. The first song is I Would Have If I Could Have, a rollicking upbeat Blues number with a very full sound, at least three guitar tracks that I can make out. Tasty ones too, very lightly driven, warm and crisp. Li’l Chuck’s masterful harmonica playing makes its presence felt, busting out a blistering solo in the middle section. Great close vocal harmonies throughout, all the more prominent at the three-quarter breakdown. Fast paced and strong, a worthy opener to the EP.

Me2U is up next, with its low-down and grimy Blues feel, full of slinkiness and snarl, the vocals are smoky and almost menacing. I love the way that the guitars again are driven, whilst still being clear and pure, the tonal characteristics of the instruments themselves shining beautifully through. This song would be loads of fun to experience live, even more fun to play on it. While I Would Have If I Could Have would have the joint jumping, this one would have the place writhing with pure Rock pleasure. The third song is One Inch Cooler, an ode to someone who continues to increase the stature of their ‘street cred’ with every subsequent meeting. Dan’s thunderous drums pound along in this hard rocker of a song, instrumentally slightly more stripped back, but with no corresponding lack in fullness or strength. Li’l Chuck has a unique- and highly admirable- ability to make Blues-based music sound fresh and utterly original. The production of this EP is brilliant, the raw energy captured perfectly yet delivered in a smooth and polished package.

A mid-paced, stonking Blues stomper is up next, in the form of I’m About To Raise My Hands. I can almost feel the ground quake, with the unbridled power of shaking money-makers. A largely instrumental number, apart from the sparsely repeated line “I think you understand, I’m about to raise my hands”. Dan’s work on this track aptly displays his innate understanding of Li’l Chucks compositions, the pair work together beautifully.

This EP started out with a quick pace and ends on one. There’s a borderline Punk attitude on I’m Still Here, which is hardly surprising given the histories of these two players. “I’m still here whether you like it or not, and there’s nothing you can do about it” is the rebellious heart of the chorus. A raucous, fire-breathing Rock & Roller of a track, a fantastic end to a fantastic EP. Li’l Chuck delivers the goods, and Drummie Dan is the perfect partner in crime. Don’t rip yourself off, go and listen to Li’l Chuck meets Drummie Dan at the Mansion on the Hill (Vol.1 Bribing the Dog), and have yourself a rip-snorter of a good time.