I WAS not put off by the date at all - in fact, in the rock world it is a portent of good fortune, so I arrived and joined a growing crowd just in time for the first band Kilriki.
They're a classic rock three-piece from Basingstoke, who I have not seen for a while, so I was interested to see how they had developed.
They kicked off with a good solid instrumental, to set the scene and lure in the smokers from the cold and the wet and they then went on to play a blinder of a set, a good mix of songs which were well played, tight and enjoyable. They connected with the crowd and got the evening off to a fine start.
Next up, also from Basingstoke and very interesting outfit, were a re-formed We Are the Brutus with their original line-up.
This re-birth has come about very quickly and I think they were so enthusiastic to get back in action that they have only had about three practise sessions. A large crowd of loyal fans packed the venue and blam, they were away.
It may not have been their most technically precise performance, but it was certainly one of their most fun! The passion was there, everyone knew the songs and it just hit the spot. So fair play to the guys and keep on truckin'!
I was very interested in the main support band, who are called Unorfadox and whose roots date back to 1977 and Bromley in SE London, a hotbed of early punk.
I had not seen or heard them before and probably had 1977 expectations for their performance. In fact, thirty-plus years on, they were of course no longer angry young punks, but accomplished and experienced musicians. I can't damn them for my expectations.
After a bit of a slow, tentative start, once they got into their stride, they really started to impress and a couple of their later songs were pure gold. I would certainly be interested in seeing them again some time.
The headline band were Freeway Mad from Reading, who I believe I have seen before. They looked like being classic rockers from the start and they nailed it.
They too had a great following there to cheer them on and that kind of good vibe is always pretty infectious spreading through the crowd.
The guys played a great set, which was technically excellent, included entertaining songs, nice bit of engaging with the crowd and was a good end to a great night.
Kudos to all the bands, thanks to the promoter, Rockbitch for the sound and the manager and staff of the venue for an entertaining Friday 13th.
Neil Duncan, ISSUEPUNKZINE
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article