Danny and the Champions of the World at The Leopard, July 4

Some groups are more of a misfit family than a band. Strewn together by a series of bizarre circumstances Danny and the Champions of the World never strike you as a group who are in it to make a quick buck. Docked in a truckers cap and moustaches to match the band are a dazzling whirl of wonderment. A mish mash of creative types, the group are quick to bring an essence of magic to their show. By walking through the audience of the small pub the room suddenly comes alive as a range of instruments including a trumpet and ukulele gives the room a blast of musical joy.

From the moment they sporadically appear on-stage the group are like a dysfunctional family at a barn dance. Each member connects on-stage almost telepathically with one another as they place a selection of wholesome melodies. Containing flute solos and a flurry of instruments each song is filled with character, as it overflows into the room. However each song becomes an extension of the last and quickly loses interest over an overload of sound. A showcase of one of ‘the champions’ gives a little release, yet like a family the group are dampened by the overbearing father. They also have their ups and downs but Danny and the Champions of the World are worth the ride.