TIME once more for the bi-monthly Punk 'n' Disorderly shows at the Irish Centre and once again a varied line-up of fine bands were on hand to prove that punk is no mere one-dimensional entity.
First up were Deadlock from Aldershot, who first came into existence 35 years ago, burned brightly for a few years and then faded only to return a couple of years ago.
Needless to say, they play old-school punk and play it well. With all the woes in the world, who can blame them for thinking that they had unfinished business.
Next up, all the way from Bristol and last-minute replacements were Subversive Fire who come with a lot of attitude and some skankin' punk rock.
They were a very different beast from the first band, heavier, faster, with a ska-feel and augmented by a saxophone and clarinet (I have never seen a clarinet used in a punk/ska band before and it was very effective).
They were also able to provide some female vocals and backing vocals and did a very fine job, in spite of a few technical hiccups.
The middle slot was taken by Basingstoke's very own old age punks Geezapunx, playing their third show since re-emerging with a newish line-up a couple of months ago.
A large crowd of friends, relatives, supporters and the just plain curious gathered to see what all of the fuss was about.
It was an angry frenzy of middle-aged angst, which is a lot like teenage angst, but with bigger bellies, less hair and more wrinkles. They seemed to go down well, which will only serve to encourage them.
Main-support was provided courtesy of a brand-new Basingstoke punk band by the name of Nickle9. In spite of this being their first show, its members have all been in (or are still in) numerous other local punk bands.
They were by far the hardest and fastest band of the night and they too had attracted an enormous crowd of followers who responded with great enthusiasm.
It was a stunning debut performance, very lively and memorable set. And if anyone missed them, they can be seen again on Sunday, May 10 at the Nepal Earthquake benefit show in Sanctuary.
The headline band were the mighty Wonderbeers from Kingston, in town to share their philosophy on, beer, work, beer and not having enough money to buy more beer.
They are the definitive 'singalong' band, with fun, catchy choruses and irresistible musical hooks. As ever, they played a blinding set.
A significant crowd hung on to see them, to sing along and enjoy these very worthy headliners. Even after they played all their songs, the crowd still wanted more - so they will have to return to Basingstoke real soon.
A big thanks to all the bands who played, to Dave for doing a brilliant job on sound and to the committee and staff of the Irish Centre for hosting the event with their usual good humour.
Neil Duncan, ISSUEPUNKZINE
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