Leatherface, Ferryboat, Norwich
Even though I miss the opening band I arrive at Norwich’s shoebox pub in time for Norfolk’s finest skate punkers VANILLA POD. Playing only a short set just so they can blag onto the same bill as Leatherface for a second time they’re a constant blur, with frontman Rob’s infectious energy being lapped up by the always-positive VP crowd. While they might not be the most technical of bands they’re certainly tight and supremely confident in their own melodic punk rock songs, and when they launch into ‘Surrounded By Idiots’ midway into the set they seem to slip into a higher gear. Truth be told this wasn’t the best time I’ve seen the ‘Pod, since there seemed to be a spark missing, but having said that they still put on an excellent performance and acquitted themselves well in their own back yard (7).
Oregon’s HANDGUN BRAVADO took the ‘stage’ next, and for an unknown three-piece to be so nut-wrenchingly good was a fantastic surprise. Mixing punchy melodic skate punk with soaring vocals, they belted out anthem after anthem to a somewhat subdued crowd and displayed an impressive level of confidence onstage. Maintaining an extremely high pace throughout, standout song ‘Don’t Deceive Me’ is a mix of fist-in-the-air singalong with chunky riffs that characterises their whole sound. I would strongly advise checking this lot out because they swerve from an almost hardcore sound at times to a more palatable pop vibe, but without sounding as if they’re cutting and pasting style. Impressive in the extreme! (9)
The fact that LEATHERFACE have been playing together for longer than most of the crowd at Reel Big Fish the other night have been in existence doesn’t diminish their effect one iota. Possessing a command of melody and a strong repertoire that makes the fact that they’re not exactly the most thrilling performers an irrelevance, the crowd fell around like a pissed bouncer, enjoying every growl emitted from Frankie Stubbs’ and every chord throughout the set. Coming back for two encores (even one is unheard of at the Fezboat) they left Norwich in a state of drunken disarray and in sheer admiration for one of this country’s finest bands giving the next generation a lesson in how to write quality songs (9).
Ben
Options:»
Gig Reviews Index
