First up are Leeds’ ALL ITS WORTH, highly rated in the local scene for their Placebo meets 3 Colours Red brand of rock. Unfortunately being on first means that the band suffer from the worst of the PA problems and on top of that guitarist Pete has been in bed for a week with illness. The omens did not look good, but the band managed to pull of a set that does show promise. Vocalist Becky is the band’s secret weapon with a fantastic voice that takes bits of Brian Molko and twists them into her own nasal style. Pete is a younger version of Chris McCormack with a low slung Gibson guitar and for the first two songs throws the shapes of his hero, but then illness catches up with him, and becoming agitated with the hecklers at the front, his personal performance slowly falls away. On their low-budget EP, All Its Worth suffer badly from some poor drumming, but I’ll take that back as Joey is possibly the hardest hitting and most animated drummer on show all night – gone are the simple, repetitive beats and the sound is all the better for it. On the downside, a few songs in and the pint-sized frontgal is still singing in the same tone and any kind of variation would definitely take the band to the nest level. There’s no doubting she can sing, but an ‘x’ factor is missing. On this performance All Its Worth show enough to make it as a solid band on the Leeds circuit, but there’s currently something missing that will deny them of a route out of the city. (7)

Having not eaten since lunchtime, pizza called and I missed the entire SIX FOOT NOTHING set. I’m told it contained the usual variety of skate-punk madness and comical behaviour from frontman Ross, but I didn’t hear a note. So on to Scunthorpe pop-punkers TOMORROW NEVER CAME, who were added to the bill late on but fully justified their inclusion. It’s still a wonder to me why this lot are unsigned as their EP is superb and tonight is their best performance yet. TNC sound like the best bits of The Starting Line and Rufio, with heart-on-our-sleeve lyrics, and while it’s still all very raw you can sense there is a bit of confidence building up. Lead guitarist James churns out lead riff after lead riff, looking like a future Jason Audio Karate or Clark Rufio; drummer Phil holds everything together with some faultless drumming, while bassist Tom jumps around like his life depends on it. ‘Face In A Photograph’ is an awesome song and the catchy ‘It’s All Gone’ has a fantatsic singalong chorus. On the downside, if I’m being super critical, Paul seems to be singing within himself. Like Jordan on the early New Found Glory material, you can sense a voice waiting to break out and Paul appears to have the same problem. It’s nothing that can’t be fixed and gigs like tonight can only aide the confidence he needs to improve as a frontman. That’s not to say his performance is bad, far from it, but again there’s an ‘x’ factor missing that would take the band to the next level. This was the third time I’ve seen them and their best performance yet. If TNC can practice more and get more gigs (I think this is only their second or third this year) then this lot can really go far. The songs are already there and their stage presence is coming along nicely – it’s theirs for the taking if they want it. (7.5)

The onus on tonight has certainly been fun and MILK2SUGARS carry on the festivities in fine form. Recent performances have, in my opinion, been slipshod and disappointing. Maybe I’ve seen them too much or maybe they’re getting bored of their songs, who knows. But tonight the band are at their fun best. They know they’re not the world’s greatest musicians and so make up for it with a hugely entertaining set. ‘Games’ is their best opening song and so it’s good to see it promoted to the top of the set. ‘Hanging Around’ and ‘I Don’t want To Be Lonely’ are crashed out with bodies and limbs flying everywhere, both across the makeshift stage and in the crowd. Matty Pee, dressed rather nattily in a blonde wig and denim mini-skirt, and Chris hold up one side of the stage by gurning and contorting themselves, while Cookie and Mackie balance everything out with their own madcap presence. The ‘Ghostbusters’ theme is a clever addition to the set now that ‘Santeria’ has been done to death and getting crowd members up to sing is a masterstroke. Back to their best M2S thrive on nights like this. The PA and sound may have been dodgy and the room no bigger than a cupboard, but when it’s all about fun, this is a band more than willing to hold a party. (8)

It’s hard to believe that these bands, and the majority of attenders, met through this very site. I think it’s testament to the UK punk scene that bands can still put on DIY shows, get their friends and some beer in, and put a massive smile on everyone’s face. The carnage at PB3, when we do this all again on a bigger scale, is going to be amazing…

Paul

Anyway, a cock up with the opening of the doors and general onstage times meant that I missed openers SIX FOOT NOTHING, otherwise known as the Ross Brierley comedy club. Arriving just as they finished, I’m told that SFN were good. “He should be in stand up,” more than one person told me. I’m not sure if that’s because his band are shit and they should give up their day jobs, or whether their brand of humour was actually quite good. I tend to think it was the latter. Anyway, unmarkable because I didn’t see them, so I’m sure a kind soul will fill in all the details in the reader’s reviews.

Scunthorpe’s premier pop-punk outfit TOMORROW NEVER CAME rocked our collective socks off when we saw them at a local battle-of-the-bands and just as we were to ask them to get involved with Punktastic, they asked us to get them on the bill. So here they were for everyone to enjoy. A mix of The Starting Line and The Ataris, for young pups they have a mature sound and some fantastic songs. ‘It’s All Gone’ is a hit in waiting with a really poppy hook negating an emo-esque feel. However, for some reason tonight the band lack a stage presence which would carry them off into a real band-to-watch. Having seen them twice before I know full well how good TNC are, but the Corp didn’t quite get the full shebang. Maybe it was nerves, but there’s a little something missing. But don’t get me wrong TNC have songs that deserve, and will, be played to bigger audiences in bigger venues. All they need is a swagger and confidence to match their abilities. As musicians they are all brilliant and their songs belittle their relative inexperience, but they don’t quite have enough stage presence just yet. But when they do…oh my, a band that will make waves in the UK scene for sure. (7)

PORNOGRAPHIC MONKEY are let down a little on record because their sound is a little flat. The dynamics aren’t quite there and you just feel that there needs to be a little more something to make a good band into a great one. Tonight PM fix everything they needed to do and sound brilliant. Opening track ‘Propaganda’ is brutal, with guitarist Mark blasting out a riff that’s dark and dirty. Sounding all the better for it, PM rock hard tonight even though their set is a little on the short side. I for one am impressed with the improvements this Stoke mob have made since their EP was released, and with a new one set for recording in the New Year, Pornographic Monkey could well make waves too. (7)

I got slated by a lot of people when I gave SNIPER WOLF‘S last release just two stars out of five. But I said then that I thought they would be better live, and I was not mistaken. ‘Slick’ Nick is every inch the frontman and for just three people they carry a hell of a lot of stage presence. Running through most of their last EP, tonight Sniper Wolf impress me more than I thought they would. They still owe a lot to the likes of Screeching Weasel and The Ramones, but there’s energy in abundance – something the recorded material sadly lacks. Bassist Rob is a bundle of energy, even if his eyes seem to be on the verge of popping out of his head on more than one occasion. And for a band that haven’t practiced in months, Sniper Wolf perform admirably. ‘Wrath Of You’ and ‘Girl In The Purple Jumper’ are standouts and I’m left to eat humble pie. Give this band a producer and a recording studio and they could be dangerous. (8)

If MY AWESOME COMPILATION were American they’d be massive. Infact they’d probably be signed to Vagrant Records and be supporting The Get Up Kids or something. This Leicester trio are destined to be absolutely massive, of that there is no doubt at all. How they are still relatively small is mystery enough, but surely their new ‘Every Souvenir Has A Story’ EP will put paid to that. A mixture of pop, punk and emo, every song is carefully crafted and heart-wrenchingly fantastic. With a firm dollop of emotion in their music, all eyes are on the band as they perform. The dynamics twist and turn throughout and everyone is spellbound, knowing full well you’ve seen something very special indeed. Signed to the Big Scary Monsters label it can only be a matter of time before bigger labels come knocking at the door. If in a year MAC are not at least on major tours as a support it would be a travesty. They won 70 new fans tonight and to anyone who’s seen them you know it’s no surprise. Ladies and gentlemen – the UK’s finest emo band. (9)

Headliners MILK2SUGARS had a lot to live up to and nearly managed to pull it off. As fun as always, their set had the crowd skanking it up a treat. ‘Games’ is immense, ‘opener ‘Knocking Shop’ sure to be a live fave and Venus’ run through the now obligatory Sublime cover ‘Santeria’ goes down well. Little bits of the set are becoming a bit tired mind – mainly I think because I’ve seen the band about six times in two months – but every time I see them I’m impressed by the energy and sense of fun that the guys have onstage. It’s never a chore and the whole audience is always involved. By the end of the 40-minute set there’s quite a lot of people skanking away at the front (step forward the boys from MAC…) and closer ‘Washing Machine’ sparks off a dancing frenzy. Not the best M2S set I’ve seen, but their forthcoming debut album is certain to be something to keep an eye on. Bringing the fun back into the music, Milk2Sugars were the only band that could have headlined the inaugral Punktastic bash so succesfully. If you’ve not yet been initiated with the M2S experience catch them when you can. (8).

There was so much more I could have mentioned – Ross’ trousers, the failure of the surprise and the attempted theft of M2S bassist Dave, but there’s no room for everything. In terms of enjoyment, this has to get the full five stars. The beer flowed, the bands were all awesome and fun was had. Oh, and there was even a singalong ‘Happy Birthday’ to Punktastic. What more could you ask for? We’ll see you all (plus a few more hopefully) next year…

Paul

Having arrived early, we met up with random Punktastic folk and the Milk2Sugars crew, missing out on Jesse James in the Concrete Jungle Stage. Not being impressed with them when I saw JJ supporting Lit, I wasn’t too disappointed about missing them, but by all accounts the tent was crammed and they put on a good show. However it was up to Lightyear to get the day off in fine style. Playing a whole range of tracks off of their ‘Call Of The Weasel Clan’ record, the Derby mob bounded around the stage with reckless abandon, living up to their name of being a top quality live act. Thankfully there was no nakedness, but there were shout-outs to anyone from Scunthorpe and to vocalist Chas’ mum, who was merrily skanking away next to the majority of the Milk2Sugars crew. A mass invasion by Jesse James at the sets end got the day off to a good start. (7)

A quick hop to the nearby Evening Session Stage led us straight to Midtown, who, by the size of the crowd, have gathered quite a following over the last year, and rightly so. They may have massive egos (and do their own soundchecks) but the music really does the talking. Today Midtown are damn good. The kids go off to the likes of ‘Become What You Hate’ and ‘Like A Movie’, so much so that one kid gets his nose busted in the process. Fantastic musicians even if their sense of style leaves a little bit to be desired, ‘Just Rock n Roll’ is a fine track, and as usual they end with shades of the Kiss classic ‘God Gave Rock and Roll To You’. Midtown may appear to be dicks offstage, but on it they give as good as anyone else. (8)

A short wait and we are greeted by John Feldmann and the rest of Goldfinger. Unfortunately sometime decides to call time on the set after just 20 minutes, although a hi-octane 20 minutes at that. Bouncing around with aplomb, the band are on top form, with ‘Superman’ rightly making the kids skank like their lives depended on it. But the set is way too short, missing out the likes of ‘Mable’ and ‘Here In Your Bedroom’, and even new single ‘Spokesman’. ‘Open Your Eyes’ goes down well, as does ’99 Red Balloons’ and a singalong ‘FTN’, which was accompanied by the now obligatory vegan spiel. Good, but way too short, a band that I once really, really liked have gone downhill a bit and aside from the odd pop-punk gem, are rapidly becoming also-rans. (7)

Back to the Concrete Jungle, Thursday had just taken to the stage and proceeded to ram their magnificent ‘Full Collapse’ album down our collective throats for the next 30 minutes. Singer Geoff has a fantastic vocal range and the songs sound immense. However, the odd song aside, the subtleties that the album is so good with are lost in the tent, and at times the music batters the senses rather than compels you to listen. If you hadn’t heard of Thursday before it would have been easy to have got bored of their bludgeoning sound, but for the fans, the likes of ‘Understanding In A Car Crash’ and ‘Standing On The Edge Of Summer’ are fantastic. A new track went down a treat too, before the blazing finale of ‘Cross Out The Eyes’. Very, very good, although probably not best suited to a tent in the middle of a stately home. Thursday are well worth checking out though, or worthy of a second chance if you weren’t impressed first time round. (8)

I have always thought that Dashboard Confessional should have been called Dashboard Creek as Chris Carrabba’s songs are more like an episode of the TV show Dawson’s Creek than regular tracks. At times unneccesarily wordy, the band aren’t one that I have really got into. Until now that is. Spellbinding and captivating live, the band had every single person in the tent singing along with gusto, so much so that Chris was visibly shocked that so many people knew the words. ‘Saints And Sailors’ is absolutely brilliant, a contender for song of the day, and ‘Screaming Infidelities’ is fantastic. ‘Emo’ is vastly overused to describe music, but today you can sense that everyone connects with every single word that comes out of his mouth. People are hugging each other, some are crying and the rest are singing along. I’ll admit I am now a Dashboard convert – the album has been dusted down and is now on repeat in the cd player. Bloody fantastic stuff. (8)

A quick wander over to the main stage and we catch the arse end of Less Than Jake‘s set, the fantastic ‘Al’s War’ finishing things off. A huge crowd turn out to see them, which is weird as three years ago they were playing basements in dingy clubs. But still, if anyone deserves it it’s the Gainesville boys. Unlike Sum 41, who bounce on stage to ‘Motivation’ with guitars blaring from all sides. They sound amazing, until Deryck opens his mouth that is. This guy cannot sing. At all. Infact he’s awful, making you wonder if he has ever heard himself back following a show. Proof that mainstram punk rock is more about image than the live performances. One song is enough for us, a walk back to the Concrete Jungle is neccessary.

The Get Up Kids are possibly my favourite band ever. I’ve been waiting since 1998 to see this lot live, and they didn’t disappoint. Well they did, they didn’t play ‘Red Letter Day’, but that was my only gripe. A big group of us gathered in anticipation and needless to say we were singing along in no time. ‘Holiday’, ‘Ten Minutes’ and ‘Action and Action’ are awesome three minute pop gems, proving that this Kansas crew are the modern day Beatles, and new tracks like ‘Walking On A Wire’ and ‘Campfire Kansas’ are immaculate, even if they are maybe not as well known as some of the other songs. ‘Don’t Hate Me’ is thrown in too, much to the delight of the old-skool fans and by the sets end everyone goes home happy. A completely faultless set by a band that have been criminally overlooked, if they had played ‘Red Letter Day’ or their cover of ‘On With The Show’ it would have been the best gig ever. Emotastic. (9)

A trip back to the main stage next for Ash, a band who certainly aren’t punk but their spikey-pop nuggets brought back more than a few memories for me having gone through school and college worshipping them. ‘Goldfinger’, ‘Girl From Mars’ and ‘A Life Less Ordinary’ are all fantastic songs, and even the newer tracks ‘Envy’, ‘Burn Baby Burn’ and ‘Sometimes’ are served up with huge smiles. Ash play as if it’s their last show, possibly because their bus crash from four nights previously is still on their minds. But Tim Wheeler and co are at their best when they go at it head-on (excuse the pun) and there’s no better finale around than ‘Kung Fu’. Another faultless set from the Northern Irish lads (and English girl) and a highly impressive return to form. (9)

Another trot back to the Concrete Jungle Stage and we catch Saves The Day, a band who have dropped their brand of pop-punk to lead the pack with their melodic (and MTV2 loving) emo sound. It’s yet to be seen if fame has gone to Chris Conley’s head, but his haircut is becoming dire, coming across more like Bryan Adams circa 1989 rather than a punk rock star. Still, Saves The Day, now a 4-piece, are brilliant in the small tent even if they do largely stick to all of the songs from their new record ‘Stay What You Are’. Unsurprisingly it is the two singles that go down best, with huge singalong choruses during ‘Freakish’ and ‘At Your Funeral’ being obvious highlights. But Conley is at his best during ‘Cars And Calories’ as he gyrates and dances his way through the song. It’s amusing to watch, but you cannot fault him, or the band for effort. (8)

I’ve heard lots of bad things about the live Jimmy Eat World performance. Some people have said that they cannot sing, they have no stage presence and that they just sound boring. Well I can safely say that all three of those comments are lies. For tonight JEW are simply stunning. With a set that is predominantely made up from the ‘Bleed American’ album, it’s obvious that the singles go down the best, with a number of lungs fit to burst from all the singalong moments. But the best songs on show are those from ‘Clarity’, and album revered in the ’emo’ world – and rightly so. With passion and commitment to the cause, tonight Jimmy Eat World are more than a bit special. Do they hit a wrong note? I can’t remember if they do. Quite rightly second on the bill – but in my opinion a main stage slot would have been just as deserving. (9)

So many bands that we missed, it was literally impossible to catch every single band that we wanted to see. No Rival Schools, no No Use For A Name or Bouncing Souls, and we even missed out on Less Than Jake. Still, Leeds 2002 was an undoubted success – until the fires started that is…

Paul

PAUL: “Ok, let’s rock and roll…”
MACKIE “*Puts hand in gay pose* oooo this is fun.”
VENUS: “We should do a weekly interview.”
MATTY PEE: “I’m giggling away here.”

PAUL: “Hello M2S! I want introductions, so who are you?”
(*SILENCE FOR OVER 30 SECONDS*)
COOKIE: “It all went quiet when it got serious!”
MATTY PEE: “I am Matty Pee, from the depths of Normanton town and i play alto sax, I enjoy ham and cheese.”
VENUS: “I’m Venus McSpangly boots the second and I believe that this chat is a metaphor for life itself.”
CHRIS: “I am Chris, I play the tenor sax and I live in Rainsville, Prestonia.”
COOKIE: “I’m Cookie, the trombone man and i come from far away, what can you play?”
MATTY PEE: “Life is indeed like a multiple chat, it has many layers.”
MACKIE: “I’m Mackie, the self-proclaimed one liner dude who is probably the most random person to walk in Yorkshire ! I also play trumpet which I seem to have picked up pretty well (it’s pretty light actually).”
VENUS: “I also play guitar and sing and live in the Royal Mail distribution centre where countless bodies emerge from the mail bags.”
PAUL: “Er…Venus, anything you wanna share about the bodies?”
VENUS: “They’re in bits, there’s this one dude on a forklift and he sells the meat.”
MACKIE: “I used to live in the Royal Mail Distribution Centre but I am sworn to secrecy.”

PAUL: “What the hell are you talking about? This is an interview! Focus…”
MACKIE: “How serious is this chat?”
CHRIS: “Focusing.”
MATTY PEE: “Focus.”
MACKIE: “Pee shut the fuck up!”

PAUL: “OK, serious question. Which retard came up with the name?”
VENUS: “Errrrrrrrm….”
CHRIS: “Oooooooooooh.”
MATTY PEE: “*Looks the other way*”
MACKIE: “Pee claims he did whilst sat in Venus’ living room.”
VENUS: “Will this be on the end of term exam?”
MATTY PEE: “I dunno, we were gonna be called The Daring Young Pigeons On The Flying Trapeze but thought it was too long.”
MACKIE: “That was such a great name.”
MATTY PEE: “So. we were drinking tea and…..”
MACKIE: “TDYPOTFT, doesn’t have a ring to it…”
MATTY PEE: “Yeah but its too long.”
COOKIE: “Can we change?”
MATTY PEE: “We could.”
CHRIS: “Like Box Car Racer / Blink, nice.”
VENUS: “It’d cost more to get t-shirts printed, more ink you see.”
PAUL: “So you’re in it for the cash not the art then Veen?”
(*EVERYONE LAUGHS*)
CHRIS: “It’s all about numbers.”
MATTY PEE: “Pigeons = 7.”
CHRIS: “Badgers = 4.”
MACKIE: “Veen’s in it for the songs about every girl he has met.”
VENUS: “Man you’re just twisting what I say *smashes mic and storms off a la Goldblade.*”

PAUL: “Yeah I heard rumours about the guy from Goldblade having a bit of a temper tantrum at your Preston gig…explain all.”
MACKIE: “Well… Goldblade. Legends.”
MATTY PEE: “Goldblade loved our soundman like their own love child.”
VENUS: “It all went a bit wrong.”
MACKIE: “They were pretty pissed off at our soundman.”
CHRIS: “Goldblade didn’t like playing late on and didnt like Pee.”
MACKIE: “And they starting smashing things. Yes, they actually hated pee and his ass shaking methods.”
VENUS: “There was gonna be a fight but I said ‘come on lads I don’t wanna have to get involved’ and they backed off!”
MACKIE: “Yeah sure Veen.”
CHRIS: “They were nice actually apart from the sound equipment thing.”
MACKIE: “To be fair I thought they were really good lads until they went up on stage, their on-stage persona’s took over. It was weird ‘cos afterwards they were really cool with us.”

PAUL “Ok. Moving on… pigeons. Discuss.”
VENUS: “They’re the new badgers.”
COOKIE: “Rats with wings, rather like new and improved Bodyform.”
MATTY PEE: “It’s Darwinina.”
MACKIE: “Pigeons are below badgers in the chain of our thoughts, but Chris has brought them into the limelight. Before Chris was in the band we obviously totally unappreciated the pigeon.”
CHRIS: “Whenever you see pigeons there is always seven, if there seems to be more there are mirrors and if there are less they are behind you.”
MACKIE: “P = 7.”
MATTY PEE: “You can relate everything in life to pigeons.”

PAUL: “Ok..influences…anyone really like a band so much they wanna have sex with it?”
VENUS: “I wanna have sex with Pee.”
MACKIE: “For me it would definately have to be Reel Big Fish.”
COOKIE: “No Doubt, Gwen!”
CHRIS: “I think personally A and Incubus.”
COOKIE: “Sublime, the ultimate!”
MACKIE: “Good call.”
MATTY PEE: “I like Kenny G.”
COOKIE: “I fell asleep to Lionel Richie last night.”
CHRIS: “Lionel Rich T.”
MACKIE: “Was he serenading you?”
COOKIE: “His tash was a bit abrasive.”
MATTY PEE: “Throwing stones at your window over a balcony.”

PAUL: “Ok, Wakefield, what’s so good about it? I mean you’re pretty summery music for such a sleepy and dull Yorkshire town…”
VENUS: “Dull, Wakey never!”
MACKIE: “Wakefield is the hub of crapness.”
COOKIE: “It’s the epicenter of nothingness!”
CHRIS: “The last time I went my exhaust fell off, it was ace.”

PAUL: “Who named the EP?”
MATTY PEE: “DAVE!”
COOKIE:”DAVE!”
VENUS: “It’s named after Dave’s achievement – he won a paint your street competition when he was like 5.”
MATTY PEE: “We were gonna use this picture he drew for the EP cover but alas he couldnt find it, trust Dave.”
VENUS: “He got to have dinner with the Mayor and everything.”
CHRIS: “Bless ickle Dave.”

PAUL: “Are you happy with the EP and the feedback it has got so far?”
VENUS: “Yeah it’s by no means our greatest work but it’s still cool.”
COOKIE: “It just misses a certain something, like a tenor sax and a trombone.”
CHRIS: “I wasnt around when it was recorded but the quality is superb.”
MACKIE: “That’s the first thing I said on the way back from recording… ‘it’s a bit slow’ – but who cares? We rock live .”

PAUL: “So the new stuff, what can we expect?”
VENUS: “More guitar.”
MACKIE: “Yes more guitar and more, more, more horns.”
CHRIS: “More sax bits.”
VENUS: “Yeah some of our new stuff is uber fucking cool.”
MACKIE: “We need more underneath hornage and sexy harmonies. And more lyrics that are in comparison with Shakespeare himself.”

PAUL: “Any names confirmed?”
MATTY PEE: “‘Hanging Around’ makes me wanna jump up and down like a March hare it’s so ace I love it.”
MACKIE: “John. Neil.”
MATTY PEE: “‘Neurotic and Pedantic’.”
MACKIE: “I still really wanna do ‘Never Forget’ by Take That.”
VENUS: “‘I Don’t Wanna Play Your Games Anymore’.”

*With that, Venus ups and leaves.*

PAUL: “When you putting out EP number 2 because I want more!”
COOKIE: “As soon as we can all get together and record hopefully.”
MATTY PEE: “Hopefully recording this summer, but it’s a bit sketchy at the mo.”
MACKIE: “Well the plan is to record as soon as possible to be fair… but as we are about as organised as a blind bar crawl we never know…and as we aren’t on any labels and don’t have management (mainly due to our lazyness) we are still working from our own money from gigs.”

PUL: “What’s been the best moment of your careers so far?”
MATTY PEE: “Ooh, hard one… The last gig at McDermotts in pants. I’ve never felt so high…. I loved every minute of it.”
MACKIE: “I would say that every gig seems to get better and better… so the last gig in Wakefield when we all took off our clothes apart from boxer shorts for our ‘EP run’ (ie the EP songs) at the end. We had people in the crowd skanking along just in their pants as well, was brill.”
CHRIS: “Fighting Cock gig in Preston, there was a pub full of people and the atmosphere was stormin’.”
COOKIE: “The first gig I did at McDermots, because I got recognised out after and got drinks bought for me!”

PAUL: “Six months ago no-one knew who you were and now everyone knows who you are! Well, almost. So what’s changed over that time?”
CHRIS: “It’s great because now I can say ‘I’m in a 7 piece punk and ska band in Wakefield‘ whereas six months ago that wasn’t true.”
MATTY PEE: “It’s been wicked, a lot of it thanks to the support you guys have given us…. we owe a lot to Russ at Hyper-Value Entertainment who started playing our stuff at Aqua in Preston.”
MACKIE: “It’s kinda weird to see our names on most probably the biggest UK punk site on the net, very weird in fact! I think it’s been nothing but a good thing and we’ve got the Punktastic gang to thank for that.”
MATTY PEE: “Chris… I used that as a chat up line in Magaluff. Alas she wasn’t impressed because she played sax too!”hehe doh!!
MACKIE: “I pulled a nice girl from her spotting me, she says ‘your in that Milk2Sugars band aren’t you?’ and snogged me.”

PAUL: “So anyone else used their new found fame yet?”
MATTY PEE: “I said it to the woman on the door of a club, it got me nowhere. I just ask for free drinks at the venues we play at.”
CHRIS: “I said it to my girlfriend’s parents and they looked at me blankly.”
MACKIE: “It’s kinda funny, during the day I work in a bank (hopefully for not much longer, it sucks!) and I say ‘I’m in a punk ska band’ and they laugh.”
COOKIE: “I got a free sample of shampoo through the post that was addressed to me, I wouldnt have got that if I weren’t in a band.”

PAUL: “You’re playing the Clarence Park festival in Wakefield, what’s that all about?”
MATTY PEE: “Well it’s a free music festival they have every year.”
COOKIE: “We’re about 4th from top of the bill, and a Status Quo tribute band are headlining!”
MACKIE: “We are sooo excited to play there, it will be our biggest gig (apart from capdown) yet.”
CHRIS: “It’s good to be playing there, even though I have no idea about it or where it is.”
MATTY PEE: “Everyone except well known bands had to audition, but they let us straight in on the main stage about 4th from top of the bill.”
MACKIE: “And yeah it’s free.”

PAUL: “MP3’s,.. Audiogalaxy got shut down, but how important do you think MP3 technology is to bands such as yourselves?”
MATTY PEE: “It is unequivically essential.”
COOKIE: “We would have no recognition with out MP3’s.”
MACKIE: “MP3’s have been nothing but a great thing for us I would have to say… without MP3’s we wouldn’t have been able to plug ourselves not only to the public at large but also to little music companies and other musical people who would be interested in us.”
MATTY PEE: “Take mp3.com you can just say check us out, we got an offer of a gig in London merely on our mp3’s. Hope no-one rips us off thats all, we have no chance against big bad record ompanies.”
MACKIE: “We stalled on our music because at first people were taking liberties and burning our music and playing it. But to be honest that’s the risk we take. Without mp3’s we wouldn’t have been as well known. I can say to friends that I know online or can’t send cd’s to ‘listen to our mp3’s’.”

PAUL: “If you could collaborate with any other band who would it be and on what song?”
COOKIE: “Rancid, ‘Timebomb’.”
MATTY PEE: “‘Hanging Around’, Save Ferris.”
CHRIS: “Aquabats, ‘Super Rat’ with those ace horn bits at the start.”
MACKIE: “Catch 22 and ‘Club Tropicana’.”

PAUL: “What would you have on your epitaphs?”
CHRIS: “Just ‘badgers’ in massive letters.”
MACKIE: “I would have ‘died having a wank whilst sky diving’ even if I didn’t.”
COOKIE: “I would have ‘oh well whatever, nevermind’ (as my last words in my bio)”
MATTY PEE: “Here lies Matty Pee, he would be grateful if you didn’t allow dogs to shit on his patch.”

PAUL: “Favourite Dawson’s Creek character?”
MATTY PEE: “JOEY!”
CHRIS: “JOEY!”
MACKIE: “Oh come on, what a silly question. Katie Holmes, aka Joey Potter.”
MATTY PEE: “My dream woman, big doughy brown eyes, long brown hair, amazing smile.”
PAUL: “Unanimous then.”
MATTY PEE: “She is purrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrfect.”

(with that Chris ups and leaves)

PAUL: “Which member of the band is the most annoying and why?”
MACKIE: “Next!”
MATTY PEE: “Wow, this interview is an epic.”
MACKIE: “Pee.”
COOKIE: “Hmmm, that depends on the time of the month!”
MACKIE: “And the girl situation!”

(at this point things got a little personal and I’ve been asked not to print it…heh heh)

PAUL: “If you could be asked any question in an interview, what would it be?”
MACKIE: “I’m still wondering how the hell you’re going to post this chat Paul.”
MATTY PEE: “I bet Paul feels like some kind of multimedia Parkinson.”
PAUL: “It’s going to be edited.”
MACKIE: “Grrr misquoting me all over the shop i bet.”
COOKIE: “What’s blue and doesnt fit?”
MATTY PEE: “If you could have a groundhog day for one day in your life what day would it be and why?”
PAUL: “Pee…thats a cracking question.”
MACKIE: “Mine would be in a penthouse in Las Vegas fucking Tara Reid.”
MATTY PEE: “I would love to relive some days in my life just to see how they would change things now. But no regrets is my motto.”
MACKIE: “No regrets my ass.”
MATTY PEE: “I try to have no regrets.”
MACKIE: “If you had to remove one part of your body for medical research, which would it be?”
COOKIE:I would just like to be able to remember everything i’ve forgotten on pissed nights out! That would be such an eye opener.”

PAUL: “Who is the band pin-up?”
MATTY PEE: “It’s Cookie.”
COOKIE: “We pin Pee up but not because of his looks.”
MACKIE: “I would say Venus and Dave like to think they are the band pinups. Us three are minging kebabs bashers.”
MATTY PEE: “I was doing some kind of sexy ass shaking while extremly intoxicated went to do the splits and one leg fell off the stage, I landed on my shin and I could hardly walk, I took a taxi home that nite!”
PAUL: Stage of what? A gay cabaret show?”
MACKIE: “*laughs* Carwash!! A 70’s retro club in Magaluf. Cookie pulled the fattest minger in there. Literally.”
COOKIE: “When you can get a pint and a shot of aftershock for 66p nothing seems terible!”

PAUL: “Ok, think its about time we finished…its been 60 minutes! So any shout outs you wanna give?”
MATTY PEE: “Hmmmm it’s like the Oscars.”
MACKIE: “I want to give a shout out to my Mum… because if it wasn’t for her constantly asking me what the hell I am doing with my life (ie where are you going? when?) I wouldn’t actually know myself.”
COOKIE: “My Dad who paid for my trombone!”
MATTY PEE: “Big bad nazi Nev @ Underground Sound for doing a fine job on our EP, badgers, mum for the same reason as Mackie, she keeps you on track when you’re derailed and gets you right back on there.”
MACKIE: “And I wanna give a shout out to everybody on the Punktastic board and the Punktastic lads (cos I am contracted to do so) and the animal that is the badger.”
MATTY PEE: “PUNKTASTIC rock, you’ve given us so much support, you plug us nearly every week and we love you for it and to be honest without us your world’s and your messageboard would be a much duller and to be honest more normal place.”
MACKIE: “I love the Punktastic board.”
MATTY PEE: “Awww I feel all mushy inside now.”

PAUL: “Any final Jerry Springer-esque final thoughts?”
MACKIE: “I’m going for a wank now lads.”
MATTY PEE: “Life is a bitch, then you marry one, then you die in an inevitable bass fishing accident.”
COOKIE: “Take care of yourselves, and each other.”
MACKIE: “Milk2Sugars pro-actively encourage badger baiting!”
MATTY PEE: “That is shocking.”
PAUL: “Can I quote you on that Macca?”
MACKIE: “Yes, please do. I aim for cornyness.”

And with that we left the boys trying to figure out an excuse for Mackie to skive work the following day, whilst Pee went off to drink tea…

If you’re still reading this (why, oh why would you do such a thing?) check out www.punktastic.com/milk2sugars or www.mp3.com/milk2sugars

A local pub was the venue, complete with local roaming way-too-happy pub dog
(which, incidentally, received it’s fair share of petting that night.)
Milk2Sugar’s set started with a distinctly RBF drumbeat; thankfully however,
they escaped becoming more than merely a cover of or copy of the fish, with a
series of original and surprisingly good ska tunes heard eminating from the
speakers.

The horn section was, admittedly absolutely spot on – unfortunately, due to
the size of the ‘stage’ (a number of what seemed like milk crates – rock’n’roll)
they were consigned to standing quite close together, and an accident involving
the trombone colliding with someone’s head seemed inevitable. Similarly hidden
was the drummer, but sound setup was such that an almost equal importance given
to all the instruments; with the possible exception of the Sax, which was
relatively hard to pick out, yet still audible. A small interlude was made
compulsory to glean the result of ITV’s ‘Pop Idol’, with the choosing of Will as
a star proving once again, that the unabashed stupidity of the general public
shows no sign of changing in the near future.

Anyways, on with the show, and the Sublime Cover ‘Santeria’ seems quite good,
especially the lead solo which was carried off well. Audience participation is
all the rage nowadays, and singing about audience designated subjects is also
trendy – suggestions of ‘badger’, ‘russian underpants’ and ‘i’m a wanker’ on
which to base a song were all taken into account, and what came out was, well,
entertaining if nothing else. Overall, the gig was enjoyable; however, the
influence of bands such as RBF was clear, detracting from the performance
slightly; especially within ‘shining without you’, which seems to plain lift the
lyrics from ‘Beer’. I personally didn’t enjoy the American style vocals, though
they far from hindered the performance. Still, with some time and a bit of work,
Milk2Sugars could look forward to playing somewhere a lot bigger than a local
pub…

nick