The Dash Ambrose CD Release Party is a comedy set, a gig and shameless merchandise peddling all rolled into one. It’s a party, but really it’s a gig, but really they just want you to buy the CD, but that’s okay. They manage to keep their commercial venture on just the right side of charming.

The comedy duo is comprised of djembe drummer and rapper Dave Wiggins and guitarist and vocalist Brendon Green. They showcase a variety of songs covering such diverse subjects as rock’n’roll, cake, romantic comedies and loan consolidation.

Green is a talented guitarist and singer with clever and often hilarious lyrics whilst Wiggins provides comic relief and fast-paced, high-pitched rap accompaniment. A highlight is their ‘song for children’ about a troupe of evil night ducks who have the taste for human flesh.

In between songs they revert to classic double-act comedy and jokes about not having any jokes. With Green as the comedy ‘straight man’ who dreams of being a serious musician, they make the audience decide who should be leader of the band. Green’s argument is that he writes and sings all of the songs, whilst Wiggins offers everyone free cake. It’s a difficult decision. 

There are also several chances to win one of their CDs, one such opportunity being a quiz in which contestants have to guess whether certain quotes have been taken from reviews of Dash Ambrose or the Black Eyed Peas. The game is surprisingly tricky and produces some of the funniest moments of the night. 

The title of their CD, a live recording, is ‘Dash Ambrose: Unpolished’ and this may well be an apt description of their set as a whole. The pair happily admit to practicing more via email than in person and frequently express surprise that they have remembered the lyrics. It is this self-effacing honesty, however, that endears Dash Ambrose to the audience and allows any mistakes to become a part of the comedy. They seem constantly surprised and delighted that anyone has even bothered to show up.

Dash Ambrose are two irreverent comedians who refuse to take themselves too seriously. Their CD Release Party, may not actually be a party, and it may not be the tightest comedy set you’ve ever seen, but you will probably leave sort of wanting to be friends with them. Oh, and you might just get some free cake.