The Dead Pets, London Camden Underworld
Gig was at the Elektrowerkz in Islington
It is very rare these days when I find enough time to be able to go and see a few unfamiliar punk bands play. Fortunately on this occasion, I had the evening free to go and enjoy a very diverse and strong bill at one of London’s many intimate (read squalid) venues. Six bands for six of your English pounds is good value by anybody’s standards.
SWALLOWS opened up proceedings and the band found themselves playing to a crowd that consisted of myself, Ben punktastic and a couple of other brave souls. Whilst the band appeared to have a few decent tunes up their sleeves a number of mistakes didn’t help their cause. (5)
Next up where Manchester’s ECHOFREDDY, making their first trip to London. The band were tight throughout, with particularly impressive vocals. However, they weren’t helped by the lack of a crowd and never really got out of second gear. More to come from these guys I feel. (6)
Being in second gear is something you couldn’t accuse RHYTHMIC COUGHING of. From the moment they took the stage they were full of energy and exuded a great vibe. With an arsenal of strong pop/rock songs and a cracking Disney medley, this was a set that got a few more people on their feet. (7)
I have to say I was very, very impressed with Bristol’s GREBO. It was the first time I had seen the band live and they owned the stage, getting a decent crowd to the front of the stage. Front man Ben prowling around the stage reminded me in no small way of none other than Billie Joe Armstrong. With a tight, energetic set, full of cracking songs, this was the set of the night for me. (9)
Although advertised as headlining, the DEAD PETS were next to take the stage, and it was instantly apparent that they were the band most people had come to see. With their forceful mix of Oi and ska, the band had the crowd moving for most of their performance. The Dead Pets are quite the breath of fresh air tonight, and stand apart from the other bands on show. A very enjoyable performance. (8)
You have to feel for local lads REASON 69. When they appeared most of the crowd has vanished into the night. That said the lads put in a strong display, armed with some strong melodic punk rock. They aren’t a band that break the mould, but what they do, they do well. (7)
All in all, this was a very enjoyable night of punk rock. The bill was diverse and interesting and every band was worth watching. I came away with my ears ringing and my need for live music satisfied by a number of strong performances.
Mark
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