Davin O'Dwyer  reviews Nizlopi at Whelan's in Dublin.

Nizlopi
Whelan's, Dublin

Nizlopi are John Parker and Luke Concannon, a pair of studenty types from Leamington Spa who had a hit before Christmas with the sugary JCB song, a child's-eye view of the wonders of avoiding school. On the back of a cute animated video, it became a UK number one, and it wouldn't be a stretch to say it was the reason most of the crowd turned out for this gig.

Coming on stage after Portlaoise's Gary Dunne warmed up the crowd, Parker and Concannon tuned up, imbibed copious amounts of water and promptly walked straight into the heart of the audience for their first tune. Such crowd-pleasing antics may prompt sneers from some quarters, but it shows an undeniable willingness to entertain.

"Make some noise before we start the show," sang Concannon, as Parker tapped and plucked his double bass. Communicating with the audience doesn't come much more determined than this.

It set the tone for the evening. With Parker's human beatboxing and Concannon's hip-hop-via-Warwickshire delivery, there was an affable jauntiness to their performance, particularly suited to the Whelan's vibe.

"Are you ready for the Dublin community gospel choir?" Concannon asked, before orchestrating the crowd in a complex sing-along to Sorry. They then returned to the heart of the crowd, double bass and all, for another track. They might have scored a number one hit, but Parker and Concannon still play like enthusiastic buskers, working the crowd to earn their living.

There's only so much variation you can achieve with a guitar, double bass and human beatbox, however. Every number isn't quite the JCB song, but it's not a million miles away either. While Nizlopi are undoubtedly fun and pleasant, they will need to work hard at their material if they are not to be forever the JCB band.