Post by davecox on Apr 17, 2008 10:21:52 GMT
Spit & Sawdust 3 Dayer, April 11th, 12th & 13th,
The Thatched House, Stockport.
review by OMD
Up at the crack and quickly sorted and fed then out to Morrisons for 3 large bottles of bronze. I hit The Thatched at 11am and had a snifter with One Man Down and chums who had kipped overnight in the beer garden (remember what I said about commitment). The tent they used failed to keep out the cold and all looked a bit worse for wear. What better way to warm up than with 2 bottles of bronze and a banana each. In fact these crazed buggers decided to dip their bananas in their sherry and eat slowly. Banana Sherry Cocktails – now there’s an idea. I had my banana first and set about nailing a bottle of the old Q after an hour of good chinwagging and much merriment.
With seventy cans at my side I was sure I would last the day without the need to re-stock - hope so!
After the sound was checked and a few bands arrived The Scatter (ex Pirates of Heroes) were welcomed and kicked off the days event at 1.15pm prompt. What a great start it was too and after a previous viewing and a listen of their initial release it was my good luck to bag this lot as the opening act for the day. There is an overflow of talent here ready to burst forth and some of the songs are truly infectious. ‘Long Shot’ and ‘Little Miss One Night Stand’ were the true delights and came from a demo CD that is worth seeking out. More to come for this lot and a damn fine slot next year.
Global Parasite next and straight from ska to hardcore is an example of what the SAS is all about. No fuckin’ restrictions and many flavours giving all in attendance a chance to hear many sub-genres of the ska/punk scene. I love this outfit and over the short period of time they have been around they have improved remarkably. The screaming vocals from guitarist and drummer switch nicely and each and every song is a brutal assault draped in anti-stance attire. ‘Scream At The World’ was the choice today and I hope this band keep on doing just that. Always my pleasure.
New SAS inclusions Smack Rats were a band I was recommended and when they got in touch as usual I gave them a slot. Why not indeed – I find it refreshing to sometimes take a risk and with a 30 band festival it is essential criteria to do just that to make the gig exciting and challenging for all. This one paid off in fine style and really woke the crowd up with some blazing tunes that were fanned by the frenetic, frenzied behaviour of the frontman who screamed in people’s faces, climbed on the bar, grappled people to the floor and spasmodically writhed and wriggled his way through one helluva energetic set. Of course this unhinged frontman was the main focal point of the punters but I sneakily watched the band too and they weren’t half bad. More again will follow for this lot and dependant on whether the frontman keeps his performances from falling into the abyss of ‘plain old annoying’ these should do as well as they did today – which was absolutely fine. Great addition to the day’s proceedings – thanks fellars.
After a few tins of beer and a bottle of Bronze The Red Eyes got up to do part 2 of their SAS spot and again I must take my hat off to this lot for doubling up on the wonderful performances. After last nights excellent outing I was more than a little expectant of today’s set and was not disappointed in the slightest. Truly magnificent and this time I took a long good look at each individual member strut their stuff. All played their part quite wonderfully with the drummer an exceptional artiste quite skilled and highly energetic in giving 110%. Not one bad song and the cover of ‘Situations’ once again showed these guys are no mugs when it comes to nailing a tune. The two performances that The Red Eyes have graced the SAS with are ones I will take great pride in and the fact that all bands were playing blinders proves the stature of this drastically disregarded outfit. The scene should hang its head in shame!
The John Player Specials added a sudden tangent for the crowd and gave a solid performance despite the absence of the trombonist. I must say the brass man was missed but it didn’t stop the remaining trio putting a corking set together with ‘Knockin’ On Wood’, ‘Identification’ and ‘Bad Town Melodies’ the pick. A bag of talent here but a procrastinating, unfocused thread detected and this may hinder some massive progress the JPS machine could make. Maybe I am wrong but I don’t think so and reading this I hope it gives them the kick up the arse they need because they are too good to go to waste and it is always sad to see potential not fully maximised. A real great band this and loads to come if they tap into what they have an abundance of - TALENT!
Break time and a trip to the Off-Licence to get a bronze top up. A bit of green warped time a little but the two bottles of sherry were had and brought safely back to the gigging arena. Before re-entering the fray we were distracted by shouts from the car park just outside the Thatched. Upon turning two heads appeared from behind the bushes with faces split by grins a mile long. Steve and Sharrock from Flat Back Four (who are on Sundays SAS) were duly identified and a quick exchange of drink downed so far was had. Apparently four cans of Breaker, 2 bottles of Merrydown and a bottle of Bronze had been sunk with a whole lot more to come. Nice work indeed and almost guaranteeing them a slot on all future SAS gigs ha, ha. A nice chat with Chris from Gimp Fist was also had and he gave me a hoodie I had been waiting for for the last few months. Really nice gesture as it was free and the vibes on the scene are always good regarding Chris and his band. Can’t wait for tonight’s viewing.
More ale and bronze as the middle day of the SAS is always the official ‘get caned’ day and The Dangerous Aces were up and at it. These guys are one of the newest bands on the scene and are gradually getting it together despite the guitarist’s bouts of insanity and today’s line-up change. This was a decent effort and at last we can see the DA’s on an up-curve that seems set to stay. There were several loose moments but this will never change if guitar maestro Medicine Stu continues with his on-stage fits of mania. The positive thing about this is that the shows are always unpredictable and lively and there are some damn fine tunes tucked away in the set that are just beginning to hatch into prominence and peck at the punters peckers. The band is a hotch-potch of noodles but I like them and that guarantees further SAS exploits as far as I’m concerned.
Inside and a quick change, a long drink and with blazed eyes I watched The Despondents crack out a set that was a heady rock ‘n’ roll punk mix to wake the most sozzled heads. Things were going mighty well today and the raging current of musical talent came flowing with this quality set. ‘Advice’ is straight to the point and a broken guitar string didn’t hinder the set too much with 'California' and 'Schizophrenia' both shining tributes to this bands skill. A nice slant and obviously worth more SAS gigs.
A band I was really anticipating tonight were The Mispelt and they didn’t disappoint. Very tight and with oodles of melody this quality unit breezed through their set with professional ease and ‘Drive It Like You Stole It’ was just fuckin’ awesome. It’s all change in the Mispelt camp with a line-up and name change imminent. A sneak preview was given tonight when the frontlady let rip on a couple of songs and ‘WOW’ what a difference it made. Already impressed I had no idea where further improvements could be made but this bold risk I feel will pay massive rewards and the future is looking mighty rosy for this band. I have them on again in two weeks at Halifax and am looking forward to it no end where I hope the frontgirl does the whole show. A quality band soaked in experience and a must see.
Gimp Fist were another big anticipation for me and I was totally blown away by what I saw. Pure, unadulterated punk rock with a subtlety of tune way ahead of it’s former predecessors in the Oi arena. If ever there was a band that had a gifted touch of class then this is it. Every fuckin’ tune rocked me to the very core and if they weren’t in such great company tonight some poor bands could have had a real roasting. Thankfully the other bands around Gimp Fist performed admirably and it’s a good job they did. What a quality squadron and what an abundance of top notch tunes. ‘War On The Streets, ‘Just Another Country’ and the epic ‘More War Stories’ were massive moments of the night and the finale of ‘Razors In The Night’ and ‘Oi, Oi, Oi’ was immense. Great lads and great musicians knocking out bone-jarring songs oozing melody and spirit – what more does the SAS have to offer.
Due to a ceremonial opening for the last bottle of bronze of the day, including a photo-shoot, I missed the first couple of tracks by Most Likely To Fail. However when I did enter the venue on unsteady legs I did witness a very good outburst indeed. MLTF seemed to have the crowd’s attention and were knocking out one of their best sets to date. ‘Weekend Rebel’ was a peach and ‘Most Likely To Fail’ was brilliant. A real sensation of satisfaction came over me at this point as this was a band I had put a fair amount of time and effort into and it was nice to see them getting a just deserved reception. I gazed on filled with pride as the lads revelled in the appreciative atmosphere. A nice part of the day and one to savour.
And finally…
Due to a late pull out of the arranged headline band it fell to Dangers Close to close the second day’s proceedings. I had no worries for them and when they hit the stage and burst into ‘Burn’ I knew no problems would be encountered. A fine band led by a wonderfully striking frontlady who looked and sounded quite magnificent. I couldn’t have asked for a better finale and the quavering vocals were almost hypnotic at times as they thrived on the great tunes being fed by the accomplished musicians behind. ‘Daily Grind’ and the enormously emotive ‘Christina’ were fuckin’ brilliant as were each and every track. Can’t fault them really and again everything I expected came to fruition with this outing. Hopefully the eye-candy appeal didn’t detract from a superb set and true judgements were made and not distorted by beer sodden hormones. Either way I suspect they will only get positive feedback.
Tired and hungry the day ended and afterwards 4 of us went back to my place for a cup of cha and a natter. Dean, Tim and Sharrock left and I went to bed with buzzing ears and a sore head but….a very proud heart.
What a great, long day and easily proving the underdogs value to all present. Lots still to do with the SAS machine but immediate requests are just for more of the same tomorrow - I hope so – wow!
read the full 3 day review here: <a href="http://fungalpunknature.co.uk/FUNGALPUNK/SAS/SASReviews/3dayfest08.html">http://fungalpunknature.co.uk/FUNGALPUNK/SAS/SASReviews/3dayfest08.html</a>
The Thatched House, Stockport.
review by OMD
Up at the crack and quickly sorted and fed then out to Morrisons for 3 large bottles of bronze. I hit The Thatched at 11am and had a snifter with One Man Down and chums who had kipped overnight in the beer garden (remember what I said about commitment). The tent they used failed to keep out the cold and all looked a bit worse for wear. What better way to warm up than with 2 bottles of bronze and a banana each. In fact these crazed buggers decided to dip their bananas in their sherry and eat slowly. Banana Sherry Cocktails – now there’s an idea. I had my banana first and set about nailing a bottle of the old Q after an hour of good chinwagging and much merriment.
With seventy cans at my side I was sure I would last the day without the need to re-stock - hope so!
After the sound was checked and a few bands arrived The Scatter (ex Pirates of Heroes) were welcomed and kicked off the days event at 1.15pm prompt. What a great start it was too and after a previous viewing and a listen of their initial release it was my good luck to bag this lot as the opening act for the day. There is an overflow of talent here ready to burst forth and some of the songs are truly infectious. ‘Long Shot’ and ‘Little Miss One Night Stand’ were the true delights and came from a demo CD that is worth seeking out. More to come for this lot and a damn fine slot next year.
Global Parasite next and straight from ska to hardcore is an example of what the SAS is all about. No fuckin’ restrictions and many flavours giving all in attendance a chance to hear many sub-genres of the ska/punk scene. I love this outfit and over the short period of time they have been around they have improved remarkably. The screaming vocals from guitarist and drummer switch nicely and each and every song is a brutal assault draped in anti-stance attire. ‘Scream At The World’ was the choice today and I hope this band keep on doing just that. Always my pleasure.
New SAS inclusions Smack Rats were a band I was recommended and when they got in touch as usual I gave them a slot. Why not indeed – I find it refreshing to sometimes take a risk and with a 30 band festival it is essential criteria to do just that to make the gig exciting and challenging for all. This one paid off in fine style and really woke the crowd up with some blazing tunes that were fanned by the frenetic, frenzied behaviour of the frontman who screamed in people’s faces, climbed on the bar, grappled people to the floor and spasmodically writhed and wriggled his way through one helluva energetic set. Of course this unhinged frontman was the main focal point of the punters but I sneakily watched the band too and they weren’t half bad. More again will follow for this lot and dependant on whether the frontman keeps his performances from falling into the abyss of ‘plain old annoying’ these should do as well as they did today – which was absolutely fine. Great addition to the day’s proceedings – thanks fellars.
After a few tins of beer and a bottle of Bronze The Red Eyes got up to do part 2 of their SAS spot and again I must take my hat off to this lot for doubling up on the wonderful performances. After last nights excellent outing I was more than a little expectant of today’s set and was not disappointed in the slightest. Truly magnificent and this time I took a long good look at each individual member strut their stuff. All played their part quite wonderfully with the drummer an exceptional artiste quite skilled and highly energetic in giving 110%. Not one bad song and the cover of ‘Situations’ once again showed these guys are no mugs when it comes to nailing a tune. The two performances that The Red Eyes have graced the SAS with are ones I will take great pride in and the fact that all bands were playing blinders proves the stature of this drastically disregarded outfit. The scene should hang its head in shame!
The John Player Specials added a sudden tangent for the crowd and gave a solid performance despite the absence of the trombonist. I must say the brass man was missed but it didn’t stop the remaining trio putting a corking set together with ‘Knockin’ On Wood’, ‘Identification’ and ‘Bad Town Melodies’ the pick. A bag of talent here but a procrastinating, unfocused thread detected and this may hinder some massive progress the JPS machine could make. Maybe I am wrong but I don’t think so and reading this I hope it gives them the kick up the arse they need because they are too good to go to waste and it is always sad to see potential not fully maximised. A real great band this and loads to come if they tap into what they have an abundance of - TALENT!
Break time and a trip to the Off-Licence to get a bronze top up. A bit of green warped time a little but the two bottles of sherry were had and brought safely back to the gigging arena. Before re-entering the fray we were distracted by shouts from the car park just outside the Thatched. Upon turning two heads appeared from behind the bushes with faces split by grins a mile long. Steve and Sharrock from Flat Back Four (who are on Sundays SAS) were duly identified and a quick exchange of drink downed so far was had. Apparently four cans of Breaker, 2 bottles of Merrydown and a bottle of Bronze had been sunk with a whole lot more to come. Nice work indeed and almost guaranteeing them a slot on all future SAS gigs ha, ha. A nice chat with Chris from Gimp Fist was also had and he gave me a hoodie I had been waiting for for the last few months. Really nice gesture as it was free and the vibes on the scene are always good regarding Chris and his band. Can’t wait for tonight’s viewing.
More ale and bronze as the middle day of the SAS is always the official ‘get caned’ day and The Dangerous Aces were up and at it. These guys are one of the newest bands on the scene and are gradually getting it together despite the guitarist’s bouts of insanity and today’s line-up change. This was a decent effort and at last we can see the DA’s on an up-curve that seems set to stay. There were several loose moments but this will never change if guitar maestro Medicine Stu continues with his on-stage fits of mania. The positive thing about this is that the shows are always unpredictable and lively and there are some damn fine tunes tucked away in the set that are just beginning to hatch into prominence and peck at the punters peckers. The band is a hotch-potch of noodles but I like them and that guarantees further SAS exploits as far as I’m concerned.
Inside and a quick change, a long drink and with blazed eyes I watched The Despondents crack out a set that was a heady rock ‘n’ roll punk mix to wake the most sozzled heads. Things were going mighty well today and the raging current of musical talent came flowing with this quality set. ‘Advice’ is straight to the point and a broken guitar string didn’t hinder the set too much with 'California' and 'Schizophrenia' both shining tributes to this bands skill. A nice slant and obviously worth more SAS gigs.
A band I was really anticipating tonight were The Mispelt and they didn’t disappoint. Very tight and with oodles of melody this quality unit breezed through their set with professional ease and ‘Drive It Like You Stole It’ was just fuckin’ awesome. It’s all change in the Mispelt camp with a line-up and name change imminent. A sneak preview was given tonight when the frontlady let rip on a couple of songs and ‘WOW’ what a difference it made. Already impressed I had no idea where further improvements could be made but this bold risk I feel will pay massive rewards and the future is looking mighty rosy for this band. I have them on again in two weeks at Halifax and am looking forward to it no end where I hope the frontgirl does the whole show. A quality band soaked in experience and a must see.
Gimp Fist were another big anticipation for me and I was totally blown away by what I saw. Pure, unadulterated punk rock with a subtlety of tune way ahead of it’s former predecessors in the Oi arena. If ever there was a band that had a gifted touch of class then this is it. Every fuckin’ tune rocked me to the very core and if they weren’t in such great company tonight some poor bands could have had a real roasting. Thankfully the other bands around Gimp Fist performed admirably and it’s a good job they did. What a quality squadron and what an abundance of top notch tunes. ‘War On The Streets, ‘Just Another Country’ and the epic ‘More War Stories’ were massive moments of the night and the finale of ‘Razors In The Night’ and ‘Oi, Oi, Oi’ was immense. Great lads and great musicians knocking out bone-jarring songs oozing melody and spirit – what more does the SAS have to offer.
Due to a ceremonial opening for the last bottle of bronze of the day, including a photo-shoot, I missed the first couple of tracks by Most Likely To Fail. However when I did enter the venue on unsteady legs I did witness a very good outburst indeed. MLTF seemed to have the crowd’s attention and were knocking out one of their best sets to date. ‘Weekend Rebel’ was a peach and ‘Most Likely To Fail’ was brilliant. A real sensation of satisfaction came over me at this point as this was a band I had put a fair amount of time and effort into and it was nice to see them getting a just deserved reception. I gazed on filled with pride as the lads revelled in the appreciative atmosphere. A nice part of the day and one to savour.
And finally…
Due to a late pull out of the arranged headline band it fell to Dangers Close to close the second day’s proceedings. I had no worries for them and when they hit the stage and burst into ‘Burn’ I knew no problems would be encountered. A fine band led by a wonderfully striking frontlady who looked and sounded quite magnificent. I couldn’t have asked for a better finale and the quavering vocals were almost hypnotic at times as they thrived on the great tunes being fed by the accomplished musicians behind. ‘Daily Grind’ and the enormously emotive ‘Christina’ were fuckin’ brilliant as were each and every track. Can’t fault them really and again everything I expected came to fruition with this outing. Hopefully the eye-candy appeal didn’t detract from a superb set and true judgements were made and not distorted by beer sodden hormones. Either way I suspect they will only get positive feedback.
Tired and hungry the day ended and afterwards 4 of us went back to my place for a cup of cha and a natter. Dean, Tim and Sharrock left and I went to bed with buzzing ears and a sore head but….a very proud heart.
What a great, long day and easily proving the underdogs value to all present. Lots still to do with the SAS machine but immediate requests are just for more of the same tomorrow - I hope so – wow!
read the full 3 day review here: <a href="http://fungalpunknature.co.uk/FUNGALPUNK/SAS/SASReviews/3dayfest08.html">http://fungalpunknature.co.uk/FUNGALPUNK/SAS/SASReviews/3dayfest08.html</a>