Squirtgun, Camden Underworld
I really didn’t know what to expect from this show; there hadn’t been much hype about it but both support bands have headlined this venue in the past, so whilst driving through the butt-end of Friday night’s rush hour traffic I was hoping it wasn’t going to sell out before I got there. The place was empty when I arrived there half an hour after doors opening, I couldn’t believe it. Anyways, as I was astounded by the vast emptiness I heard a band playing, so I went and checked them out in a state of curiosity as I didn’t think there were four bands on the bill. They were a female fronted pop-punk band with a bit of ska thrown in, admittedly I only saw their last song but it was catchy as fuck! If anyone knows anything about them please post below!
So after a quick trip to the bar I was back just in time to see VANILLA POD, who were, as always, bloody fantastic. I really do think they’re one of the most overlooked bands in the country. They only played a short set to about twenty people, which was a shame, as for me, they were the best band of the night. Their set was basically packed with plenty of energy, really tight and just them doing what they do best; blasting out fast, addictive punk rock anthems. But just as importantly they looked like they were having fun which is what it’s all about and makes watching a band from a sparse crowd more enjoyable. They had a different line up from the last time I saw them but had a confidence about them that would suggest otherwise. Apparently they have just recorded a video so it’ll be nice to see them getting the recognition they deserve. (7.5)
JESSE JAMES were next to the stage and by this time the place had starting filling up more thankfully. Of course all the die-hard JJ fans dashed to the front and were singing along to every song which bought a bit of life to a so far static atmosphere, which was somewhat resembling that of a paper plate. If punk rock was to be described as food, JJ would certainly be in the realms of cheese, but in a good way; they’re certainly more of a mature cheddar than processed Babybell crap but at the same time and paradoxically, a Dairylea spread; as they’re undoubtedly a band for the kids. Their songs are so catchy I couldn’t help but tap my foot along to every hook-filled chorus in the set, but in my naivety, if anyone could explain me the concept of a ‘black sheep generator’ I’d be more than grateful. (6)
SQUIRTGUN are a bit of a bona fide super-group these days with various members coming from various other bands. Unfortunately the first half of their set was dogged by broken microphones and some sort of bass overload which resulted in something that felt like it was going to kick right through me. But the snotty vocaled four-piece showed their experience and didn’t let it deter them in the slightest and performed a highly enjoyable set. They were worshipped by their small army of fans adorning various Lookout! merchandise and quite rightly so as they were impressive. The older material seemed to go down better with the fans than the newer songs but the overall quality was of a high standard. Of course the crowd went wild when ‘Social’ was played right at the end and in turn, prompted a much deserved encore, as what was left of the crowd were (excuse the Timberlake) loving it. (7)
It was weird seeing the place so empty, especially on a Friday night. As a result the atmosphere appeared a bit dry at times. But those that were there were treated to some classic mid 90’s pop-punk, a large slice of cheese and some general quality rockage. I for one went home with a smile on face.
Mike Frankal
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