I KNOW it was a school night, but sometimes you have just got to hoof yourself out of that arm chair and mix with some real people.
So I zoomed up to Reading and arrived just in time to see the first band Rail 27.
They are a local ska-punk three-piece and they are an excellent live band. I have seen them a fair few times and they have never disappointed me. Angry, politically aware songs punched out with power and passion - great start.
Next up were Basingstoke-based Take Warning, a female fronted ska-punk band, not quite as heavy as the previous mob, but still a mighty fine live band.
They have only been gigging for a few months now, but each time I see them, they are getting better, tighter and more confident. They played a great selection of original and cover songs and got the crowd up and dancing.
The mid-way slot were taken by The Harry Mackintosh Project (pic by Lilka Orlock) who hail from Basingstoke and Newbury.
I haven't seen them for a few months now, so might be mistaken, but their style seems to have changed a little bit. They seemed more hard-core, still with plenty of angular time-signature changes and the quirky vocals. Again, they too managed to get the crowd up and taking part, and they are always an exciting band to watch.
Main support was provided by Boycott the Baptist all the way from Leeds and I was eager to see them having heard great things.
However they seem to take an age to set up (for a two-piece) and then there were delays whilst they put on nun's costumes, and more delays whilst they tried to sort out some sort of sample, special effect.
So by the time they actually started I was feeling somewhat jaded. They play ultra-insanely fast 'crust' punk, really heavy with seriously angry vocals. It should have been a walkover to impress me, but as it was, I did not start getting into them until the end of their set. Maybe next time, hey?
The headline band have been on my radar for ages and finally, I get to see them again. Global Parasite come from North Wales and are one of the best punk bands around. They have the speed and they have the power and the anger and really amazing songs.
I recognised most of the material and was so pleased to be able to see and hear it performed live. Alas their set was over all too soon, even thought I would have liked to hear more. I will have to keep my eyes open for any future touring dates.
So thanks to the promoter, the bands and the management and staff of the Face Bar for a mid-week treat.
Neil Duncan, ISSUEPUNKZINE
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